The NFL draft period ranks among the most chaotic and exciting stretches on the NFL schedule. In fact, it stands as one of the most looked-forward-to non-game sporting occasions globally across all major sports. Year after year, the NFL draft transforms into a highly anticipated fixture on the calendar.
As the first round of the draft takes place on Thursday, April 23, it’s time for me to unveil my single published mock draft of the season. Here are several key points we should keep in mind. To start with, this is the
PFF Mock Draft simulator
So outcomes aren’t always logical. Besides, we’ve executed a deal that seemed fine but might not actually work out this year. Feel free to voice your disapproval if you disagree. Even if you agree, feel free to express yourself too. We’ll accept feedback up until Thursday evening.
Let’s not delay any longer; let’s jump right into it.
TRADE: The Colts traded their 2025 picks at positions #14, #80, and #117 to the Bears in exchange for pick #10 and #148 in the same year’s draft.
In reality, this trade might necessitate another pick from the Bears, but if the Colts genuinely have their sights set on someone at #10, such an arrangement isn’t entirely implausible.
Round 1, Pick 14: Edge Rusher Mykel Williams, Georgia
Given how the roster turned out (without Armand Membou, Colson Loveland, Tyler Warren, Kelvin Banks Jr., etc.),
Mykel Williams
It felt like the optimal choice with the 14th selection. I considered players such as Derrick Harmon and Josh Simmons, but the Bears opted for an explosive pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo, even though this player doesn’t match the typical profile favored by Dennis Allen.
Round 2, Selection 39: OT Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota
Airion Etheridge-Ersery could potentially offer strong value among offensive linemen in this year’s draft. Given that prospects such as Donovan Jackson, Grey Zabel, Will Campbell, and Armond Membrou are expected to be selected within the first round, Airion Ethridge-Ersey being chosen around the beginning of the second round appears reasonable. Standing tall and displaying impressive athleticism, he has the potential to become quite an asset at the professional level. Many aspects of his game suggest great promise for future success.
perceived flaws
Can be developed to enhance their skills, and it’s well known that the Bears require a tackle. Standing at 6’6″, he has the potential to thrive as a tackle.
Round 2, Selection 41: Running Back Quinshon Judkins from Ohio State
If you’re wondering, PFF wasn’t fond of my initial trio of selections. Nonetheless, those picks are feasible options for the Bears. To elaborate, Chicago needs a running back to complement D’Andre Swift in their backline. Should the team falter with Ashton Jeanty in this simulated scenario, acquiring someone as athletically gifted as him would be ideal.
Quinshon Judkins
Even though I consider Treveyon Henderson more highly than Judkins, the Jacksonville Jaguars picked him before he had a chance to join us. As a result, we focused on selecting his national championship teammate to strengthen the Bears’ running game.
Round 3, Selection 72: Safety Andrew Mukuba from Texas
Big thanks go out to Luke O’Grady, a key player with On Tap SportsNet’s Building the Board group, for suggesting this selection.
guest GM episode with Robert Schmitz
, Luke pounded the table demanding that the Bears (and GM Schmitz) should take action.
Andrew Mukuba
In the third round with their selection, adding a well-respected safety becomes quite sensible considering the doubts around Jaquan Brisker’s fitness and the advanced years of Kevin Byard. This player excels as a genuine deep-center field defender at the safety position, an asset the Bears could greatly benefit from.
Round 3, Selection 80: Defensive Tackle Omarr Norman-Lott from Tennessee
With the pick we acquired from the Colts, its time to address the interior defensive line.
Omarr Norman-Lott
It probably won’t be available at this stage of the draft, but if he is still around, it would be an amazing pick. Snagging the large defender from Tennessee could really strengthen the group of big players you already have on the inside. While he does have some limitations, adding him is a solid strategy for reinforcing your defensive line.
Round 4, Selection 117: Tight End Gunnar Helm from Texas
Selecting two talented players from Texas might seem inappropriate, yet adding another strong tight end to Ben Johnson’s offensive lineup seems justified. Choosing Gunnar Helm in the fourth round offers good value, and managing to shore up numerous other positions simultaneously is a significant triumph. With an additional selection gained through the deal made with the Colts, the Bears could pair Helm with Cole Kmet and effectively utilize their 12-personnel setup.
Round 7, Selection 233: Linebacker Jay Higgins from Iowa
The Bears might benefit from adding more players with experience at linebacker. Generally, linebackers from Iowa tend to participate effectively in various roles. Despite potentially being just additional depth and contributing mainly on special teams, selecting Jay Higgins in the seventh round would be a good choice.
Round 7, Selection 240: Defensive Tackle Desmond Watson from Florida
Including extra meat is always good. Head out for a substantial one like Desmond Watson; it will be enjoyable.
RECAP
What’s On Tap Next?
The NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Central Time with the first round. The second and third rounds are scheduled for Friday, followed by the final four rounds on Saturday. Currently, the Bears possess seven selections in the draft.
How do you feel about this mock draft? Keep in mind that once the draft starts on Thursday, shouting is not allowed anymore.
Related: Constructing the Panel for the Chicago Bears’ 2025 NFL Draft
Subscribe to
On Tap SportsNet on YouTube
and the
Bears On Tap
Listen to this podcast for additional Chicago Bears content, updates, and compelling insights!
