The Chicago Bears made a major statement when they selected tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. With three more picks inside the top 75, the Bears will have ample opportunity to bolster multiple areas on their roster.
Heading into day two of the draft, Chicago’s needs remain the same. After missing out on Ashton Jeanty, it wouldn’t be shocked to see the team target a running back with their No. 39 or No. 41 pick. The same goes for both offensive and defensive line. All of the top lineman were off the board at No. 10. The Bears picked Loveland over players like Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams. These middle rounds allow them to bolster two of their biggest holes while still being able to add a player like Loveland to the passing attack.
It also gives the Bears an opportunity to build for the future. While most of the secondary is in place for 2025, both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are free agents after 2025. Tyrique Stevenson is a question at cornerback. Overall, picks No. 39, No. 41 and No. 72 – barring any trades – will be crucial in developing Chicago’s future.
In terms of their first pick of the second-round, the Bears could opt to target the best running back on the board. That ensures that have a premier talent at arguably the most questionable position. That’s exactly what Pro Football Focus sees happening, as the Bears land Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson at No. 39 in their day two mock draft.
“Henderson, when playing confidently, shines with his agility and long speed. He lacks some size for tackle-breaking and pass-blocking, but he remains a high-effort player in those areas,” Henderson’s brief read. “He seems like a good speed component of an NFL committee, including for receiving work out of the backfield.”
TreVeyon Henderson gives Chicago Bears running back boost
The Bears finished their 2024 campaign ranked 25th in rushing offense, averaging 102 yards per game. Their offensive line certainly didn’t do them any favors, but starting running back D’Andre Swift averaged just 2.8 yards per carry. Adding a running back in the draft gives Chicago an extra spark in the running back room for the foreseeable future.
Henderson spent four years at Ohio State, appearing in 47 games. He turned 590 carries into 3,761 yards and 42 touchdowns. Furthermore, Henderson added 77 receptions for 853 yards and six receiving touchdowns. The running back had 10+ touchdowns in three of his collegiate seasons and 1,000+ rushing yards twice.
His senior season saw Henderson win a national championship with Ohio State. He led the national by averaging 7.1 yards per carry, running for 1,016 yards total and 10 touchdowns. Henderson was named Third-team All Big-Ten.
The Bears certainly appreciate Henderson’s consistency and versatility. His 7.1 YPC average showed he was a big play waiting to happen in 2024. While that will go down in the NFL, there’s no doubting the running back’s potential. Pairing him with Swift would give Chicago a much more dynamic and explosive rushing attack.
Johnson and company will have a plethora of running backs to choose from early in the second round. But after a strong run with Ohio State, Henderson might be the best option to help Chicago succeed.
Bears don’t forget about defense
After going offense with their first two picks, the Bears now turn to the defense side. It’s important to note that Chicago finished 2024 ranked 27th in total defense, allowing 354.3 YPG. To help remedy the issue, PFF has the Bears selecting Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.
“Ezeiruaku is a smaller outside linebacker-type edge rusher who can struggle with the power aspects of the game,” PFF wrote. “However, his quick, smooth style paired with high football IQ and some very nice bend make him an ideal 3-4 pass rush type of defender to draft on Day 2.”
After showing flashes throughout his previous three seasons, Ezeiruaku truly broke out onto the scene in 2024. He set new career-highs across the board in tackles (80), tackles for a loss (21) and sacks (16.5). Both his TFL and sacks led the ACC. Ezeiruaku was ultimately named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and a Consensus All-American. Furthermore, the edge rusher won the Ted Hendricks Award.
With Montez Sweat already on the roster, the Bears signed fellow edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo during free agency. However, Chicago is trying to bring as much chaos to the opposing quarterback as possible. Adding Ezeiruaku to the mix would certainly add some much needed firepower across the team’s defensive line.
At No. 72, the Bears bolster their secondary with safety Andrew Mukuba. If Byard or Brisker walk in free agency, or if Brisker deals with injuries again, Mukuba would make for a strong replacement.
“Mukuba’s lack of a run-defense skill set may turn off some teams, but his instincts and athleticism in coverage make him a top prospect,” PFF wrote. “His game is reminiscent of Devin McCourty, who excelled as a true free safety later in his career with the Patriots but had the savvy to make plays from a variety of alignments because of his football intelligence.”
Mukuba spent three years at Clemson before transferring to Texas. His move turned out to successful, as the safety racked up a career-high five interceptions – which led the SEC – to go alongside seven passes defended and 69 tackles. Mukuba was ultimately named Third-team All-SEC.
The Bears want playmakers all over their roster, and that includes secondary. Drafting Mukuba would give Chicago a ballhawk to build around in the present and future.
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