Building a Contender: How the Chicago Bears' 2025 Draft Class Supports a Breakthrough Season

The Chicago Bears approached the 2025 NFL Draft not as a rebuilding team, but as an organization ready to take the next leap toward playoff contention. With their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, entering his second season, General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Ben Johnson executed a clear and aggressive strategy: provide Williams with playmakers, bolster protection up front, and strengthen the defensive interior. The result is a draft class that not only addresses immediate needs but also positions the Bears for long-term success.

Elevating the Offense: Colston Loveland Brings Matchup Nightmares

With the 10th overall pick, the Bears selected Colston Loveland, a 6-foot-5, 245-pound tight end out of Michigan. Loveland was widely regarded as the most complete tight end in the draft, combining vertical threat ability with sound blocking technique. During the 2023 college season, Loveland recorded 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns, setting a single-season reception record for a Michigan tight end (Wikipedia, 2025). His route-running fluidity and yards-after-catch ability make him a perfect fit for Ben Johnson’s play-action-heavy system that emphasizes tight end versatility.

Loveland's presence will stretch the middle of the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, opening up opportunities for Chicago’s wideouts. With Williams known for his improvisational skill and off-schedule throws, Loveland gives him a big, reliable target who can uncover in the scramble drill—an essential trait in today’s NFL.

Luther Burden III: A Game-Changer in the Slot

In the second round, Chicago landed a dynamic offensive weapon in wide receiver Luther Burden III from Missouri. Burden brings elite production and physicality to the slot receiver role. Over his college career, he recorded 191 receptions for 2,252 yards and 21 receiving touchdowns, along with 234 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns (ESPN Player Stats, 2024). His ability to operate in space and break tackles post-catch makes him one of the most dangerous slot receivers entering the league this year.

Burden’s versatility allows Johnson to deploy him in a variety of alignments—from jet sweeps and motion screens to vertical slot fades—which will keep defenses honest. Lined up alongside veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, Burden completes a receiving corps that ranks among the most well-rounded in the NFC North.

Fortifying the Front: Ozzy Trapilo Anchors the Offensive Line

Protecting Caleb Williams is a top priority, and the Bears addressed that need with their third-round selection of Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo. While he may not have been a marquee name, Trapilo’s tape and intangibles caught the attention of evaluators. At 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds, Trapilo is a fluid mover with a strong anchor in pass protection. Analysts have praised his ability to mirror pass rushers and hold his ground against power (Windy City Gridiron, 2025).

Trapilo brings depth and competition to an offensive line that must take a step forward in 2025. Whether starting or serving as a swing tackle, his presence improves a unit that struggled at times last season to keep Williams upright. As the offense leans into more play-action and rollout schemes, Trapilo’s agility and reach could prove critical.

Defensive Identity: Shemar Turner Adds Explosiveness Up Front

With their late third-round pick, the Bears turned to the defensive side of the ball and selected Texas A&M’s Shemar Turner, a high-motor defensive tackle with upside. In the 2023 season, Turner recorded 33 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks (College Football Stats, 2023). His blend of power and explosiveness off the line makes him a candidate to contribute immediately as part of a rotation.

Turner’s presence could elevate the Bears' ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks without relying on blitz packages. As Chicago continues to build a defensive identity under coordinator Eric Washington, Turner gives them a piece that can win one-on-one battles and create pressure up the middle—something the Bears have lacked in recent years.

Late-Round Gem: Kyle Monangai Could Be the Steal of the Draft

In the seventh round, the Bears took a flier on Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai, who could end up being one of the most productive value picks in the class. Over his college career, Monangai rushed for 3,221 yards and 27 touchdowns—without a single fumble (Rutgers Athletics, 2024). He also led the Big Ten in missed tackles forced since 2023, with 139 broken tackles (Windy City Gridiron, 2025).

Monangai’s downhill style and elite ball security make him an ideal candidate to fill what Detroit Lions fans once called the “Knuckles” role—short-yardage and grind-it-out situations. Johnson, who coached David Montgomery in a similar role in Detroit, may see Monangai as his next power back to complement D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.

A Clear Vision for 2025 and Beyond

The 2025 draft class reflects an organization with clarity of purpose. Rather than chasing splashy, high-risk picks, the Bears opted for polished prospects who can fill defined roles and grow within a well-structured scheme. From Colston Loveland’s red-zone mismatch potential to Shemar Turner’s trench dominance, each selection adds to a more complete and competitive roster.

Most importantly, this draft reinforces the Bears’ commitment to Caleb Williams. By surrounding their young quarterback with playmakers and protection, Chicago has not only invested in his development but also accelerated their own timeline toward contention. If these rookies deliver early impact—and if Williams takes the next step in his progression—the Bears may very well emerge as one of 2025’s surprise playoff teams.