4 potential surprise first-round draft picks for the Chicago Bears that could stun the NFL

The NFL Draft is always filled with surprises, with teams often selecting players who aren’t necessarily viewed as the top prospects by the mainstream media but go on to have successful careers. For a team like the Chicago Bears, currently in the middle of a rebuild with a critical focus on the 2025 season, the draft holds the potential to reshape their roster and future success. While the Bears have a number of positions they need to address, from quarterback to offensive line and wide receiver, there is always room for unexpected picks that could provide immediate impact, offer long-term benefits, or simply shift the trajectory of the franchise.

With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, here are four potential surprise first-round picks for the Chicago Bears that could not only stun the NFL but also provide the team with the kind of game-changing talent they need to ascend from mediocrity to contender. These picks may not be the popular choices, but they offer bold possibilities that could set the Bears up for future success.

1. Brock Bowers – Tight End, Georgia

The Bears have traditionally been a run-first team, relying on their defense and ground game to control the clock. However, under new management and with the dynamic nature of the modern NFL, there’s a shift happening in Chicago that could make the selection of Brock Bowers, the star tight end from Georgia, an unexpected but potentially brilliant choice.

Bowers is widely regarded as one of the most complete tight ends to come out of college football in years. His combination of size (6’4”, 240 lbs), speed, and playmaking ability has made him a standout for the Georgia Bulldogs, and many analysts believe he could be a top-five pick. But despite his immense talent, tight ends often don’t go as high as other skill positions like wide receiver or defensive back. However, the Bears could make a statement by selecting Bowers as their first-round pick in 2025.

Why Bowers Could Be a Game-Changer for the Bears

1. Redefining the Offense: The Bears’ offense has lacked a true playmaking tight end for years. While they’ve had capable players at the position, none have been able to consistently dominate as Bowers has at Georgia. Bowers is not just a safety valve in the passing game; he is a weapon who can stretch the field, block in the run game, and create mismatches against linebackers or safeties.
2. Helping the Quarterback: Whether the Bears stick with Justin Fields or opt for a new quarterback, Bowers would provide an elite target in the middle of the field, helping to alleviate pressure from the offense. His ability to catch passes in traffic, his route-running ability, and his knack for making plays after the catch would provide the Bears with a go-to option who can move the chains.
3. Impact on Play-Action: One of the Bears’ strengths has been the run game, and Bowers’ presence would only strengthen their play-action opportunities. With a capable blocking tight end who can also function as a threat downfield, Chicago could further develop its offensive scheme around deception, keeping defenses on their toes.

NFL Comparison: Travis Kelce

Bowers’ skill set bears a resemblance to some of the best tight ends in the game today, most notably Kansas City’s Travis Kelce. Like Kelce, Bowers is able to line up both as a traditional tight end and out wide as a receiver, making him a versatile weapon that defenses struggle to cover. His ability to make plays in any phase of the game gives him the potential to be an elite offensive weapon for years to come.

2. Jalen Carter – Defensive Tackle, Georgia

While the Chicago Bears have started to rebuild their defense under head coach Matt Eberflus, their defensive line still lacks a true game-wrecker. The selection of Jalen Carter, the powerful defensive tackle from Georgia, would be an absolute surprise given the Bears’ pressing needs at other positions like quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line. However, Carter’s talent is undeniable, and he could be the type of player who elevates Chicago’s defense to elite levels immediately.

Why Carter Could Be the Missing Piece

1. Disrupting the Pocket: Carter is an absolute force in the middle of the defensive line. He has the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior, which is invaluable in today’s NFL. While edge rushers get the most attention, the interior rush is just as critical, and Carter excels at creating pressure and forcing quarterbacks to make hurried throws.
2. Versatility and Fit in Eberflus’ System: Eberflus runs a 4-3 defense, and Carter would be a perfect fit as a defensive tackle in the middle of that line. His ability to both rush the passer and stop the run would give Chicago’s defensive front a new dynamic that would be difficult to counter.
3. Long-Term Dominance: With an interior force like Carter, the Bears could build a defensive line that becomes one of the most feared in the NFL. His combination of power, quickness, and football IQ makes him an ideal candidate to anchor the defense for the next decade.

NFL Comparison: Aaron Donald

Carter’s ability to wreak havoc in both the run and pass game is reminiscent of Aaron Donald, widely regarded as the best defensive tackle in the NFL. Like Donald, Carter is capable of dominating the line of scrimmage, using both his strength and agility to beat blockers and disrupt offensive schemes.

3. Zay Flowers – Wide Receiver, Boston College

The Chicago Bears’ offense has struggled in the passing game for years, largely due to a lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver. With the future of Justin Fields still uncertain, one thing that remains clear is that the Bears need to provide him (or any future quarterback) with more weapons on the outside. Zay Flowers, a dynamic playmaker out of Boston College, could be a surprise first-round pick for the Bears, and it would make perfect sense given their need for explosive playmaking ability.

Why Flowers Could Be a Key Addition

1. Explosive Playmaking: Flowers is an electrifying wide receiver who can stretch the field vertically, but he also has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field. His quickness and ability to generate yards after the catch would give the Bears a weapon they’ve been lacking in recent years.
2. Complementing Darnell Mooney: The Bears already have a solid wide receiver in Darnell Mooney, but Flowers could provide an upgrade to the receiving corps as a true deep threat. His ability to beat defenders off the line and accelerate downfield would open up the offense and create more opportunities for Mooney and the Bears’ other playmakers.
3. Fields’ Development: One of the key elements in developing Justin Fields is providing him with reliable, explosive weapons on the outside. Flowers could be just the type of receiver Fields needs to improve his accuracy and consistency as a passer. Having a player who can stretch the field and create separation on deep routes would help open up the offense for the entire team.

NFL Comparison: Tyreek Hill

While it might be a stretch to compare Flowers to Tyreek Hill, there are notable similarities in terms of their speed, acceleration, and ability to make big plays in space. Flowers, much like Hill, can take the top off a defense with his blazing speed and turn short passes into long gains with his elite quickness.

4. O’Cyrus Torrence – Offensive Guard, Florida

The Chicago Bears have made substantial investments in their offensive line in recent years, but the unit still lacks the consistent dominance needed to protect Justin Fields and open up running lanes for the Bears’ backfield. Selecting O’Cyrus Torrence, an incredibly powerful offensive guard from Florida, might not be the flashiest pick, but it would solidify the offensive line for years to come.

Why Torrence Could Be a Surprise Yet Necessary Pick

1. Interior Dominance: Torrence is a mauler in the run game and a stone wall in pass protection. The Bears have been inconsistent in the trenches, and Torrence could instantly help fix that problem. His ability to dominate at the point of attack would give the Bears more stability and physicality on the interior of their offensive line.
2. Protection for the Quarterback: One of the most important things for a young quarterback like Justin Fields is to have a clean pocket to throw from. Torrence would help solidify the offensive line and create more opportunities for Fields to read the defense, deliver accurate passes, and avoid unnecessary hits.
3. Long-Term Investment: Torrence has the potential to be a franchise guard for the Bears for years to come. Investing in the offensive line is never a bad decision, especially when it comes to protecting your quarterback and building a foundation for success.

NFL Comparison: Quenton Nelson

Torrence’s physical style of play and dominance in the run game draws strong comparisons to Quenton Nelson, one of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL today. Like Nelson, Torrence can take over games in the trenches and impose his will on opposing defenders.