Bears land premium EDGE in ESPN’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2024 season with a massive question mark at defensive end opposite Montez Sweat. A proven pass-rushing threat opposite Sweat would elevate Matt Eberflus’ defense to a new level. The defensive line is currently missing a legitimate starter on the other side.

The Bears recorded a 31st-ranked 30.0 sacks last season. They should be better in 2024, but in order to capture difference-making improvement, it will require standout performances from the likes of Gervon Dexter, Zacch Pickens, and DeMarcus Walker. Sweat can’t carry the entire load.

Acclaimed ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller recently released his first mock draft of the 2025 season. The draft order was determined by ESPN’s in-house Football Power Index (FPI), which uses thousands of simulations to predict the 2024 NFL season.

The Bears selected Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams with the No. 17 overall selection.

It’s Mock Draft time! https://t.co/vfO2EXYEeH

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) July 2, 2024

“General manager Ryan Poles has done a masterful job rebuilding the roster in Chicago, but the defensive line could use someone like Williams,” Miller wrote. “The 6-foot-5, 265-pound junior has experience playing both inside and outside alignments, but his future is off the edge in the pros. His nine sacks in two seasons of rotational work point to the impact he can make with full-time reps in 2024. Williams” combination of power and a sudden first-step could get him drafted in the top 10.”