Updated: Mar 22
The NFL Draft is always one of the most important days for the teams at the bottom of the ladder in the NFL, but especially for the Chicago Bears this year. After coming off an extremely underwhelming 5-12 season, it's vital the Bears make the right decision in this year's draft, and give new head coach Ben Johnson a glimmer of hope to start his inaugural year as head coach.
Over the last few weeks, hundreds of mock drafts have seen the Bears pick between two or three people at the number 10 spot, two being prominently picked being Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, and LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell.
But out of the two, who would benefit the Bears more?
Both are amazing football players and will have a great future in the NFL regardless of the teams they end up on, but both make a strong case as to why they deserve to be a Chicago Bear. The 2024/25 season was a tough year not only for Bears fans, but rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams, who came into the league as one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent years was sacked an appalling 68 times in his rookie year, showing clear bright signs pointing to the offensive line, and some much needed help to protect Williams, a job LSU’s Campbell is more than capable of. With the Bears main priority this off season being more pass protection, Campbell will definitely be on Chicago’s radar had he been available at number 10, and could be one of several important upgrades to the offensive line. Although the Bears only face one problem. Campbell falling to 10. This year's draft could go down as one of the most uncertain draft years in history, with the top 10 being almost unpredictable. Had the Bears go into the draft with their sights solely set on Campbell, it's likely they could utilise some draft capital to trade up two or three spots to ensure they get their guy. Trading up for a player like Campbell is a low risk high reward option for Chicago to evaluate in the draft, and had they only wanted the 6 '6, 320 lb lineman it could be a deal that could shape their future massively.
On the other hand, we all know new head coach Ben Johnson loves the running game, but does not particularly love De’Andre Swift. With Jeanty and the Bears destined to be matched together, don't be surprised if Ben Johnson works his magic and brings the Heisman finalist Jeanty to the windy city. Jeanty had a monster year with Boise State, and definitely made his case to be a top 10 pick in this year's draft with his amazing stats to cap off his 2024/25 season. 2,601 yards with 29 touchdowns doesn't quite reflect how valuable he can be off the ball as a blocker, and as a route runner for any team in the NFL. We talked about the Bears O-Line problem, and major issues with blocking, but Chicago has the opportunity to have a stud running back, and a quality blocker in Ashton Jeanty. Differently to Camobell, Jeanty’s draft ranking falls nicely into place with Chicago at 10, and has previously commented on his desire to be a top 10 pick. Chicago has a subpar running back group, and with Johnson's previous dislike of Swift in Detroit, Jeanty could be the answer Chicago and Johnson are looking for.
With the game evolving massively over the last 10 years, running backs are more important than ever as rushers, receivers, and blockers, and should definitely be a consideration for the Bears.
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