Which position should general manager Ryan Poles target in the 2025 NFL Draft in order to rebuild the Chicago Bears?

The Chicago Bears have long been a franchise in search of consistency. With a rich history of iconic players and championships, the team’s current situation has been defined by frustration and missed opportunities. Following years of mediocrity, the Bears’ rebuild is underway, under the guidance of General Manager Ryan Poles. Since taking the reins in 2022, Poles has begun to overhaul the roster and set the team on a path for long-term success.

However, for the Bears to truly turn the corner and become contenders once again, Poles will need to make key decisions in the upcoming NFL Drafts. The 2025 NFL Draft will be an especially important opportunity for Poles to continue building the foundation for a winning culture in Chicago. But with numerous positions that need strengthening, what is the most important area to focus on to accelerate the Bears’ rebuild?

Let’s break down the needs of the Bears, analyze the current state of the roster, and ultimately determine which position Ryan Poles should target in the 2025 NFL Draft to ensure that Chicago’s rebuild gains traction and success in the coming seasons.

The Current State of the Bears’ Roster

When assessing the needs of the Chicago Bears, it’s important to first understand where they stand in terms of roster construction and where they’ve made progress over the past few seasons. Poles has made several notable moves since taking over, including trading away key players, acquiring draft picks, and signing free agents to fill critical gaps. Still, there are several areas of the roster that remain in need of major upgrades.

1. Quarterback Play and the Future of Justin Fields

The quarterback position will always be the focal point of any NFL team, and the Bears’ situation is no exception. Justin Fields, a former first-round pick, has shown flashes of his potential as a dual-threat quarterback. However, Fields’ development has been inconsistent. Despite showcasing explosive athleticism, his accuracy, decision-making, and overall poise have been areas of concern. In his time with the Bears, Fields has been under constant pressure due to a poor offensive line and a lack of reliable receiving targets, which has stunted his development.

The question surrounding Fields’ future with the team is a legitimate one. While he has not yet been written off as a potential franchise quarterback, the Bears could very well be evaluating other options, especially as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. If Fields continues to show inconsistency, Poles might need to think about drafting a quarterback to potentially replace him or at least provide competition for the starting role.

2. Offensive Line Struggles

The offensive line has been one of the most glaring issues for the Chicago Bears over the past several seasons. No quarterback, not even the most talented, can succeed behind a porous offensive line. Fields, in particular, has struggled due to constant pressure from opposing defenses, and the Bears’ rushing attack has suffered because of this weakness up front.

Poles made efforts to strengthen the offensive line, including drafting players like Braxton Jones and drafting center Cody Whitehair, but the Bears’ offensive line still ranks among the worst in the league. Until this unit improves, the Bears will struggle to develop their quarterbacks and running backs to their full potential. The offensive line should be a key area of focus for Poles, as building a strong front five can elevate the entire offense.

3. Defensive Line and Pass Rush

While the Bears have made strides in rebuilding their defense, the team still lacks a consistent and dominant pass rush. The defensive line has been solid but not spectacular, and the Bears have struggled to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

One key area that the Bears must address is finding a true edge rusher, someone who can consistently wreak havoc in the backfield. The Bears have tried to address this need through free agency, but they have yet to find the kind of player who can be a game-changer in the way that Aaron Donald or Khalil Mack has been for their respective teams.

The interior of the defensive line also needs work, as the Bears often struggle to stop the run and can be bullied by stronger, more physical offensive lines. Poles needs to ensure that the Bears can get pressure on the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses consistently.

4. Wide Receiver Corps

One of the biggest areas where the Bears need improvement is at the wide receiver position. Aside from Darnell Mooney, who has shown flashes of being a reliable target, the Bears lack an elite, consistent pass catcher. Fields, who already struggles with accuracy, has not been aided by a weak receiving corps, which only exacerbates his development struggles.

The lack of top-end talent at the receiver position has made it difficult for the Bears to sustain offensive drives. Adding a game-breaking wide receiver who can win one-on-one matchups and provide a deep threat would go a long way in helping Fields develop or ensuring the next quarterback has weapons to succeed.

5. Secondary and Defensive Backfield

While the Bears have had some success with their young defensive backs, the secondary still needs work to become a truly elite unit. Jalen Johnson and Kyler Gordon have shown promise, but the Bears still lack a true lockdown corner who can consistently neutralize opposing top receivers. Additionally, the safety position remains a work in progress, as Chicago has yet to find an elite ball hawk to patrol the deep middle of the field.

The Bears will need to focus on upgrading the secondary, whether it be through the draft or free agency, to ensure that they are competitive against high-powered offenses.

Targeting the 2025 NFL Draft: Which Position Should Ryan Poles Prioritize?

After reviewing the Bears’ current roster and identifying their key needs, it becomes clear that Ryan Poles must target one primary position in the 2025 NFL Draft to maximize his team’s potential: Offensive Line.

Why Offensive Line?

1. Protecting the Quarterback: The most obvious reason to target the offensive line is to protect the quarterback. Whether Justin Fields remains the starting quarterback or the Bears opt for a new face under center, they need to ensure that the quarterback has time to make decisions. A quarterback cannot develop if they are constantly under pressure and unable to go through their progressions.
2. Opening Running Lanes: The Bears have a solid running back in David Montgomery, and their running game can be potent, as evidenced by their strong rushing attack in recent seasons. However, their offensive line has been inconsistent, which has limited the effectiveness of the run game. A strong offensive line can help the Bears build a balanced offense that can beat defenses both through the air and on the ground.
3. Long-Term Investment: The offensive line is a position that often takes time to gel and build chemistry. Drafting a high-caliber offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL Draft will give the Bears the long-term stability and protection they need up front. With the correct developmental focus, a talented offensive line can remain one of the team’s strongest units for the next decade.
4. Supporting the Entire Offense: A strong offensive line benefits the entire offense. A top-tier offensive line would not only protect the quarterback but also open running lanes and give receivers more time to get open. It would allow the Bears to run a more diverse and potent offensive scheme, giving offensive coordinators more freedom to implement creative play designs.

Potential Draft Targets:

In the 2025 NFL Draft, several talented offensive linemen will be available who could be game-changers for the Bears. One name to keep an eye on is Joe Alt, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame who has been widely regarded as one of the best prospects at his position. Another player to watch is Jared Verse, a guard from Florida State with incredible strength and technique. Any of these top-tier players could be instrumental in rebuilding the Bears’ offensive line and restoring stability to the offense.

 A Focus on the Offensive Line for Long-Term Success

The Chicago Bears’ rebuild is still a work in progress, but the franchise is on the right path with Ryan Poles at the helm. For the Bears to become true contenders, they need to focus on building a solid foundation around their quarterback and offense. The best way to ensure success in the 2025 season and beyond is to invest in the offensive line.

By drafting elite offensive line talent in the 2025 NFL Draft, Poles will not only provide immediate help to Fields or the future quarterback but will also set the tone for a more balanced, effective offense. A strong offensive line will provide the Bears with the stability they need to build long-term success and compete for championships once again.