As the Chicago Bears look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the team’s front office is focused on building a roster that can return to the playoff contention and, ultimately, challenge for a Super Bowl. While the 2024 season remains a key part of that journey, the Bears’ scouting department is already keeping a close eye on potential draft targets for 2025. With a roster that is still undergoing a rebuild, the Bears will be looking for players who can address key positions of need, including along the offensive line, in the defensive secondary, and in the receiving corps. Here are three way-too-early targets for the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft:
1. **Offensive Tackle – Jaden Jones (Georgia)**
One of the biggest areas of need for the Bears in both the short and long term is the offensive line. Despite some investments in free agents and draft picks over the past few seasons, Chicago still struggles with providing consistent protection for quarterback Justin Fields. This could be one of the most pressing needs heading into the 2025 draft, as the Bears continue to try to solidify the offensive line to give Fields the best chance to develop into a top-tier quarterback.
Jaden Jones, an imposing offensive tackle from the University of Georgia, has the size, strength, and technique to be a franchise cornerstone for any NFL team. Standing at 6’6” and weighing in at 330 pounds, Jones has the physical tools to excel at the next level. He has shown the ability to both protect the passer and create lanes in the running game, which would complement Fields’ dual-threat abilities.
Jones plays in one of the nation’s top programs, and his skill set has been honed against elite competition in the SEC. His mobility for a player of his size allows him to be effective in both pass protection and as a run blocker, making him a perfect fit for a Bears team that needs to support their young quarterback and continue to build around their offensive line.
With the 2025 draft still a ways off, it’s likely that Jones will be a top prospect in the coming years, and Chicago could look to him as a future cornerstone for their offensive line.
2. **Cornerback – Khyree Jackson (Alabama)**
The Bears have invested heavily in their secondary in recent years, with the additions of players like Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker, but the position still remains a question mark. As the NFL becomes increasingly pass-heavy, having a strong, dynamic cornerback to cover top-tier wide receivers becomes essential for any team looking to contend. Khyree Jackson, a talented cornerback from the University of Alabama, could be a top target for the Bears as they look to further bolster their secondary.
Jackson, who stands at 6’3” and brings a rare combination of size and athleticism, would bring much-needed length and physicality to the Bears’ defensive backfield. While he has yet to become a household name, his potential has been clear since his days at junior college, and he has showcased his ability to lock down top wideouts in the SEC. His ability to play both press coverage and off-man would give the Bears flexibility in defensive schemes, as they could deploy him in a variety of ways depending on the opponent’s passing attack.
Chicago’s defense has been its backbone for years, but adding a young, talented cornerback like Jackson could elevate their pass defense to elite levels, making them a much tougher unit for opposing offenses to handle. If Jackson continues to develop at Alabama and maintains his strong performance, he could be one of the top cornerbacks available in the 2025 draft and a player the Bears should target to help solidify their defense.
3. **Wide Receiver – Xavier Worthy (Texas)**
While Justin Fields’ development is a key focal point, he can’t develop into the quarterback the Bears hope him to be without solid weapons at wide receiver. The Bears have struggled to find a true number one wideout, with Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, and others providing varying levels of production. As Fields enters his third season, the need for a top-tier receiver to complement his skill set and provide a reliable target is becoming increasingly important.
Xavier Worthy, a dynamic wide receiver from the University of Texas, is one of the most exciting playmakers in college football. Standing at 6’0” and possessing blazing speed, Worthy has the ability to take the top off any defense. He has been a deep-ball threat for the Longhorns and has the agility and quickness to create separation from defenders, making him a nightmare in the open field. His playmaking ability could add a vertical dimension to the Bears’ offense, which would open up more opportunities for Fields to exploit defenses.
Worthy has consistently been one of the top receivers in college football, and his ability to separate from defenders with ease and make spectacular catches in tight windows could make him an ideal fit for Chicago’s offense. A potential pairing of Worthy with Fields could create an exciting, explosive tandem that the Bears can build around for years to come.
As the 2024 season unfolds, the Chicago Bears will be watching college football closely, evaluating potential 2025 draft prospects to further improve their roster. With needs on the offensive line, in the secondary, and at wide receiver, the Bears have several options to address key areas of weakness. Jaden Jones, Khyree Jackson, and Xavier Worthy represent three exciting options who could be available in the 2025 draft and offer significant upgrades at critical positions. If the Bears are able to land any of these prospects, they will be one step closer to building a team capable of competing for championships in the near future.
