Three teams who need to win the 2025 NFL Draft are the Chicago Bears.

The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and as teams around the league prepare to make critical decisions that will shape the future of their franchises, some teams stand out as needing to “win” the draft more than others. Among these teams, the Chicago Bears are a prime candidate for the label of a team that must have a successful draft. The franchise is in a critical phase of its rebuild, with key players, roster holes, and long-term goals in mind.

After a series of rebuilding years and an eventful off-season, the Bears face a crossroads in their organizational trajectory. While the future of the franchise ultimately depends on the growth of their young quarterback, Justin Fields, the team needs to continue to surround him with the right talent to build a contender. The 2025 NFL Draft offers the Bears an opportunity to make major strides, particularly on offense and defense, and a successful draft could help them accelerate their rebuild.

In this article, we will explore why the Chicago Bears are one of the teams that need to “win” the 2025 NFL Draft. We will analyze the team’s current roster situation, the importance of the draft to their future success, and the specific positions and players they should target to maximize the draft’s impact.

1. A Franchise Quarterback Needs a Supporting Cast

Justin Fields represents the future of the Chicago Bears. Entering the 2025 season, Fields has demonstrated flashes of brilliance but has yet to establish himself as the consistently dominant franchise quarterback that the Bears so desperately need. His potential is evident: Fields has the physical tools, including elite athleticism and a rocket arm, to develop into one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks. However, the Bears have not surrounded him with the right personnel to allow him to reach his ceiling.

The most pressing question for the Bears in 2025 is whether Fields can take the next step in his development. He has shown the ability to create plays with his legs and make big throws down the field, but the surrounding talent has often been insufficient. Whether it’s the offensive line, wide receiver corps, or a lack of established playmakers, Fields has been left to make plays on his own far too often. This is where the draft comes into play.

To truly “win” the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears need to focus on giving Fields the supporting cast he needs to thrive. For a quarterback like Fields, having a balanced offense with reliable weapons is critical for his development. This includes upgrading the offensive line, adding skilled wide receivers, and giving Fields more protection and playmaking options.

2. Strengthening the Offensive Line

One of the most immediate and critical areas the Bears need to address is the offensive line. Over the last few seasons, Chicago has struggled to maintain solid protection for Fields, and this has hindered his ability to develop as a pocket passer. Fields has been sacked far too often, and while some of that is on him for holding the ball too long, much of the pressure comes from a line that hasn’t provided consistent protection.

The Bears need to prioritize offensive line upgrades in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even though they have made some investments in the line over the last few years, this position remains a major weak point. To get the most out of Fields, the team must give him more time in the pocket to read defenses, make proper throws, and ultimately develop into the kind of passer that can win games consistently.

In the 2025 draft, the Bears will likely be in a position to select one or more high-end offensive linemen who can immediately contribute. Top-tier tackle prospects or interior linemen could be game-changers for the offense, offering Fields more protection and allowing the offense to run more smoothly.

An upgrade at left tackle or center would also benefit the run game, creating lanes for Chicago’s running backs and enabling the offense to function more effectively. A solid offensive line is the foundation of any successful offense, and for the Bears, it is especially crucial to creating a stable environment for Fields to thrive.

3. Upgrading the Wide Receiver Corps

In addition to improving the offensive line, the Chicago Bears must also focus on giving Justin Fields more weapons at the wide receiver position. The Bears have struggled to field a group of wide receivers that can consistently get open and make big plays. Fields’ skill set—particularly his ability to throw deep and stretch the field—has been underutilized because of a lack of explosive wideouts.

While Darnell Mooney has shown potential as a solid deep threat, and Chase Claypool is a physical receiver with good hands, neither of these players has yet proven to be a true number-one target capable of taking over games. To truly maximize Fields’ talent, the Bears need to add playmakers who can separate, win contested catches, and help extend the field vertically.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears have the opportunity to add talent at this position by targeting wide receivers with elite speed and separation ability. The draft is expected to feature a strong class of wide receivers, including several who could be immediate contributors at the NFL level. Adding a top-tier wide receiver in the first or second round of the draft could instantly give Fields the weaponry he needs to be successful.

A playmaking wide receiver could also take the pressure off Fields in terms of needing to create everything on his own. A reliable target who can get open quickly, win contested catches, and stretch the field vertically would open up more options for the offense. It’s crucial that the Bears provide Fields with multiple weapons that can help him succeed and allow him to develop into a top-tier quarterback.

4. Improving the Defense: A Winning Formula

While the offensive side of the ball will likely be the Bears’ primary focus, it’s important not to overlook the defensive side of the ball, where the Bears can still make significant strides. Chicago’s defense has been competitive in recent years, but there are still glaring holes—particularly in the secondary and pass rush—that need to be addressed if they are to compete for playoff berths and make deep runs in the postseason.

The defensive line is an area of concern for the Bears. While Justin Jones and Dominique Robinson have shown flashes, the team still lacks a true, game-changing edge rusher who can consistently pressure the quarterback. In a division that includes strong offenses like the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, the Bears must find a way to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Whether it’s through selecting a dominant pass rusher or upgrading the interior line, the Bears need to get more disruptive on defense.

Additionally, Chicago needs help in the secondary. While the team has solid players like Jaylon Johnson and Eddie Jackson, the Bears could benefit from adding more talent in the backfield. A top-tier cornerback or safety prospect could help shore up the pass defense and allow the Bears to compete with high-powered offenses in the NFC. This could be a critical selection for the team if they want to maintain a balanced roster and support their offense as it grows.

5. The Importance of the 2025 Draft for Long-Term Success

The 2025 NFL Draft is perhaps the most important draft for the Chicago Bears in recent memory. With Justin Fields entering his third season and the team still in the midst of a rebuild, this draft represents an opportunity to accelerate the franchise’s progress. The Bears have the chance to select players who can make immediate impacts and help turn the team into a contender in the NFC North.

By focusing on areas such as the offensive line, wide receiver corps, and the defense, the Bears can build a more complete roster around their young quarterback. A successful draft in 2025 could be the turning point for the franchise, propelling them toward a future filled with postseason appearances and, ultimately, a potential Super Bowl run.

Ultimately, the key to winning the 2025 draft for the Bears will be selecting the right players at positions of need, targeting impact players who can contribute immediately, and making sure that Fields has the supporting cast necessary to reach his full potential. A well-executed draft could be the difference between continued mediocrity and a legitimate run at the NFC playoffs. The 2025 NFL Draft is the Bears’ chance to reset their trajectory and lay the foundation for future success.