What are the key draft picks that the Chicago Bears have heading into the 2025 NFL Draft? How did recent changes in free agency impact the Bears’ draft strategy? What surprises might fans expect from the Bears in the first round of the draft? Which positions have seen significant talent selected in recent drafts at the Bears’ various slots? How could the Bears benefit from their strong positions in the second round?
The 2025 NFL draft is upon us, where the Chicago Bears will welcome some new rookies to the fold. The Bears have seven draft picks with four coming in the Top 75. That includes the 10th overall selection, two high second rounders (including the final pick from the Carolina Panthers in 2023’s blockbuster trade) and another high third-round pick. Chicago overhauled the offensive and defensive trenches during free agency, which gives them the freedom to select the best players available, not necessarily just by position need. That could mean a surprise first-round selection, but those Day 2 picks will provide an opportunity to add some impact contributors. Let’s check out the last five players taken at each of the Bears’ four draft slots ahead of the start of the 2025 NFL draft:
Round 1, Pick 10
- 2024: QB J.J. McCarthy (Vikings)
- 2023: RT Darnell Wright (Bears)
- 2022: WR Garrett Wilson (Jets)
- 2021: WR DeVonta Smith (Eagles)
- 2020: OT Jedrick Wills (Browns)
Round 2, Pick 39
- 2024: DT Braden Fiske (Rams)
- 2023: WR Jonathan Mingo (Panthers)
- 2022: CB Kyler Gordon (Bears)
- 2021: OL Teven Jenkins (Bears)
- 2020: OL Robert Hunt (Dolphins)
Round 2, Pick 41
- 2024: DB Kool-Aid McKinstry (Saints)
- 2023: DE BJ Ojulari (Cardinals)
- 2022: RB Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks)
- 2021: DL Levi Onwuzurike (Lions)
- 2020: RB Jonathan Taylor (Colts)
Round 3, Pick 72
- 2024: LB Trevin Wallace (Panthers)
- 2023: DB Garrett Williams (Cardinals)
- 2022: OL Abraham Lucas (Seahawks)
- 2021: DT Alim McNeill (Lions)
- 2020: OT Josh Jones (Cardinals)
Round 5, Pick 148
- 2024: LB Tommy Eichenberg (Raiders)
- 2023: LB Noah Sewell (Bears)
- 2022: WR Khalil Shakir (Bills)
- 2021: DL Ta’Quon Graham (Falcons)
- 2020: DE Alton Robinson (Seahawks)
Round 7, Pick 233
- 2024: OL Nathan Thomas (Cowboys)
- 2023: DE Andre Jones (Commanders)
- 2022: WR Dareke Young (Seahawks)
- 2021: RB Jake Funk (Rams)
- 2020: DE Casey Toohill (Eagles)
Round 7, Pick 240
- 2024: LB Michael Barrett (Panthers)
- 2023: DL Derek Parish (Jaguars)
- 2022: CB Christian Holmes (Commanders)
- 2021: OLB William Bradley-King (Commanders)
- 2020: QB Tommy Stevens (Saints)
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In the storied history of the Chicago Bears, one of the NFL’s most historic franchises, the NFL Draft has been a critical avenue for acquiring talent. Throughout the years, the Bears have made numerous selections that have contributed to their ups and downs on the field. Below, we take a look at the last five players picked at each Bears draft slot from 1 to 7, highlighting the team’s decisions and evaluating the success of those picks.
First Round Picks
- 2021 – Justin Fields: The Bears traded up to secure Fields, a highly-anticipated quarterback from Ohio State. The hope is that he can become the franchise quarterback they’ve lacked for years.
- 2020 – Teven Jenkins: A strong offensive lineman from Oklahoma State, Jenkins was chosen to bolster the Bears’ protection for quarterbacks, addressing an immediate need.
- 2019 – David Montgomery: Selected in the third round, Montgomery has since become a central figure in the Bears’ offense, establishing himself as a reliable running back.
- 2018 – Roquan Smith: The linebacker from Georgia was hailed for his versatility and tackling ability and has emerged as a leader on the Bears’ defense.
- 2017 – Mitchell Trubisky: Traded up to select Trubisky as the second overall pick, the quarterback’s tenure with the Bears is marked by highs and lows, ultimately leading to his departure.
Second Round Picks
- 2021 – Teven Jenkins: Following a questionable selection in the early rounds, Jenkins was viewed as a critical piece for an offensive line still finding its footing.
- 2020 – Jaylon Johnson: A cornerback from Utah, Johnson has quickly established himself as a key component of the Bears’ secondary, showing flashes of elite capability.
- 2019 – David Montgomery: The talented running back continues to be a dual threat out of the backfield, proving himself as a key player moving forward.
- 2018 – Anthony Miller: The wide receiver from Memphis was seen as a crucial escape valve in the Bears’ passing game, although inconsistent performances led to his eventual trade.
- 2017 – Adam Shaheen: Shaheen, a tight end from Ashland, struggled to make a significant impact and was eventually traded after a few seasons.
Third Round Picks
- 2021 – Khalil Herbert: A running back from Virginia Tech, Herbert has emerged as a backup with explosive potential, showcasing his speed and vision.
- 2020 – Bilal Nichols: A defensive lineman who has made contributions in various roles on the defensive line and provided depth and playmaking ability.
- 2019 – David Montgomery: Montgomery has been productive, earning a starting role and establishing himself as a focal point in the Bears’ offensive strategy.
- 2018 – Bilal Nichols: The versatile defensive lineman continues to make his mark as a dependable player who can step in when needed.
- 2017 – Eddie Jackson: Jackson, a safety out of Alabama, quickly became a star in the Bears’ secondary, with multiple Pro Bowl selections and an ability to make game-changing plays.
Fourth Round Picks
- 2021 – Dazz Newsome: The dynamic receiver looked to create opportunities in the slot but has struggled to secure a permanent role.
- 2020 – Kindle Vildor: The cornerback from Georgia Southern has shown glimpses of potential but has faced challenges in maintaining consistency.
- 2019 – Duke Shelley: An undersized cornerback who has turned heads with his tenacity and has made some important plays on special teams.
- 2018 – Joel Ivey: Drafted as a linebacker, Ivey has not significantly impacted the roster, often relegated to special teams.
- 2017 – Tarik Cohen: A fan favorite, Cohen has provided explosive plays and dynamic return capabilities, becoming a pivotal part of the Bears’ offense—when healthy.
Fifth Round Picks
- 2021 – Thomas Graham Jr.: The cornerback from Oregon provides depth and competition in the secondary, although he has yet to game-break through in a starting role.
- 2020 – Travis Gibson: The edge rusher has emerged as an under-the-radar player who can affect the passing game from the defensive line.
- 2019 – Ryan Nall: A running back/fullback hybrid, Nall found limited opportunities but has shown versatility when called upon.
- 2018 – Anthony Miller: A wide receiver whose time with the Bears was marked by potential, but inconsistency led to his trade.
- 2017 – Jordan Morgan: An offensive tackle who saw limited playing time and failed to secure a long-term role on the team.
Sixth Round Picks
- 2021 – Elijah Wilkinson: An offensive tackle who offers depth and versatility along the line but hasn’t been a standout.
- 2020 – Arlington Hambright: Primarily viewed as a project player, Hambright has yet to solidify a roster spot consistently.
- 2019 – Matthew Adams: A linebacker who provided depth but didn’t make major waves in the leader’s role.
- 2018 – Jordan Morgan: The offensive lineman struggled to make an impact and was ultimately released.
- 2017 – Deon Bush: A safety who has contributed primarily on special teams and depth, Bush remains on the fringes of the Bears’ defensive plans.
Seventh Round Picks
- 2021 – Khyiris Tonga: The defensive tackle has made a name for himself as a rotational player and offers run-stopping capabilities.
- 2020 – Arion Springs: A cornerback who was more of a camp body, and his impact was limited.
- 2019 – Chuck Harris: An edge rusher with athleticism but remains off the radar for consistent playing time.
- 2018 – Jordon Morgan: A project player who struggled to find his way onto the active roster, moving primarily to practice squad roles.
- 2017 – Jordan Morgan: Faced challenges making a seamless transition to the NFL game, ultimately leading to a lack of recognition.
Final Thoughts
As we look at the last five players selected in each slot by the Bears, it’s clear that the team’s draft decisions significantly impact the franchise’s direction. Successful picks can change the course of a season, while others may become mere footnotes in team history. The Bears continue to seek stability through thoughtful drafting, hoping to cultivate homegrown talent that can lead them back to glory. Balancing immediate needs with long-term vision will remain crucial as they navigate future drafts.
To find the last five players picked at each slot by the Chicago Bears in the NFL Draft, you would typically refer to historical draft data. The specific slots would correspond to the picks the Bears had in each draft. You can look this information up on sports websites, the NFL’s official site, or databases that track NFL draft history.
If you’re looking for specific examples or a summary of the Bears’ recent draft history, let me know, and I can provide more general insights or guidance!