Insider pours gas on Chicago Bears draft trade down fire

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2025 NFL Draft with four picks inside the top 75. But as they build the foundation of the franchise in Ben Johnson’s first year as head coach, adding more draft capital gives the Chicago a litany of tantalizing prospects.

Chicago was aggressive during the offseason, adding to both their offense and defense. However, this is still a team coming off of a 5-12 season. Johnson’s arrival adds excitement, but the Bears haven’t earned much respect on the gridiron in recent years. Adding through the draft gives the franchise a key blueprint towards continued future success.

Furthermore, trading down could be the Bears’ best option should their top prospects no longer be on the board. ESPN’s Jordan Reid is on board with the plan, as he acknowledged Chicago is a prime trade down team.

“Keep an eye on the Bears at No. 10 overall; I could see them getting some calls. If the Saints don’t take a QB at No. 9, things could get really interesting from that point on,” Reid wrote. “Yes, teams won’t be scrambling to trade up compared to previous years, but there could be a surprise depending on which of the top prospects are still left on the board.”

“Multiple NFL teams need a versatile tight end in their offense, so don’t be surprised if someone jumps at the chance to take Penn State’s Tyler Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland,” Reid continued. “And I could see a team vaulting up the board for a top pass rusher, too, even though this defensive line class is deep.”

Chicago Bears trade down 

If the Bears are going to actually pull the trigger on a trade down the board, numerous different factors have to be in play. For starters, the return package must actually bolster the future. Furthermore, Chicago must be confident that they can still land an impact player wherever they move to on the board.

The Bears can either make a small move, giving themselves some wiggle room, or opt for the big splash. Say a team like the Miami Dolphins wants to jump the San Francisco 49ers for cornerback Will Johnson. Moving up from No. 13 to No. 10 would likely cost the Dolphins a high mid-round pick and potentially a later pick as well. But if a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers come up from No. 21 to land quarterback Shedeur Sanders, the Bears would be looking at even greater hail. Moving up 11 spots could event warrant a future first-round pick.

Still, that decision offers a major. Moving back three spots still puts the Bears in a position to land an elite player. However, sliding all the way down No. 21 makes things a bit riskier.

General manager Ryan Poles and company are going to have plenty of decisions on their plate throughout the NFL Draft. Moving back via trade may be at the top of their list.

Who Chicago Bears could trade back for 

Moving out of the top 10 would certainly take the Bears out of range for common draft links such as Ashton Jeanty and Will Campbell. They could still be able to land Tyler Warren if they slide back a few spots, but certainly not after when the Indianapolis Colts pick. Furthermore, how far they move back will determine how many elite pass rushers remain available in the draft.

One obvious trade back option would be for a running back. There are a number of players contending for the RB2 title. But none of them have seriously been considered options for Chicago at the No. 10 spot. By moving back, the Bears get some extra draft capital while still adding the running back they desperately need.

The same is true for many players in the 2025 class. While it lacks top end talent, there is strong depth at a multitude of positions across the board. Still, if No. 10 is a bit too rich for Chicago’s blood, they have a clear second option. Especially if Sanders or Jaxson Dart are still available and a quarterback needy teams get desperate.

The Bears won’t get the same caliber of player if they’re drafting outside of the top 10. However, it would give them more whacks at the 2025 NFL Draft pinata. As Johnson begins crafting his vision, that could be the better option.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-bears-draft-trade-down-fire?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chicago-bears-draft-trade-down-fire