PFF: Chicago Bears should monitor this 2025 draft prospect closely this season

The wait for the start of Chicago Bears training camp has become excruciating. With such high expectations surrounding the Bears and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, this final stretch before rookies and veterans report to Halas Hall will feel much longer.

But fear not: there’s always the 2025 NFL Draft to study! And that’s exactly what Pro Football Focus did recently in their attempt to identify one offensive prospect for every team to focus on.

In the case of the Chicago Bears, it’s offensive tackle Anthony Belton.

“The Bears opted to draft wide receiver Rome Odunze over potentially upgrading at left tackle with the No. 9 overall pick — a positive decision, all things considered,” PFF’s Trevor Sikkema wrote. “They’ll ride with Braxton Jones for 2024 after he earned a 71.3 PFF overall grade in 2023.

‘Jones has two more years on his rookie deal, so maybe Chicago won’t go the tackle route in 2025, but I love the idea of adding the massive 6-foot-6, 340-pound Anthony Belton to the Bears’ offensive line, either at tackle or guard. His power and size are imposing.”

Dubbed a Day 2 ‘adequate starter’ by The Draft Network, Belton could be viewed as an upgrade over Braxton Jones next offseason. While I think Jones is being sorely underrated in the conversaton surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s no doubt GM Ryan Poles won’t hesitate to upgrade at offensive tackle if a player who fits that description is available in the early rounds.

Remember: The Chicago Bears have two second-round picks in 2025. With a roster as young and talented as Chicago’s, Poles could view that selection as a luxury and target value over need. Even if a player like Belton is similar to Jones, having a loaded offensive tackle room is never a bad thing.