Chicago Bears Reportedly Team To Watch For Trade Up In 1st Round

GM Ryan Poles doesn’t mind being aggressive when he feels the situation calls for it. He traded for Chase Claypool in 2022 and traded for Montez Sweat in 2023. The Chicago Bears almost traded up in the 2024 draft to grab wide receiver Rome Odunze before Poles was persuaded to wait. That knowledge makes the upcoming 2025 draft a little more intriguing. Poles is eager to start winning after three losing seasons. Experts agree this draft class is light on high-end talent. Could the Bears decide to move up if the right player falls within range?

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network indicated that it is a strong possibility. The name to keep in mind is running back Ashton Jeanty. Chicago has been connected to the Boise State star for weeks. Adam Schefter recently reported the Bears are “praying” Jeanty falls to them, recognizing what kind of weapon he could be in Ben Johnson’s offense. Pelissero seems to think they could force the issue by moving up ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders at #6, ensuring they get their guy.

The Chicago Bears trading up for Jeanty feels unlikely.

There are a few reasons for this. First, while Jeanty is a tremendous talent, he is still a running back. That isn’t a premium position. Poles is big on premium positions. Besides, the 2025 draft is loaded at running back. Even if they missed out on Jeanty, they’d still have a great chance to land a productive player later on. Also, one must not forget that the Chicago Bears are already light on draft picks. They have seven this year and six next year. Poles only had five last year. It seems unwise to continue depleting the coffers for such an aggressive move that won’t make them an instant Super Bowl contender.

Last but not least, there is a growing belief that Las Vegas won’t take Jeanty at #6. Their focus is more towards the trenches. If the running back gets by them, the odds of him falling to Chicago go up significantly. All the Bears have to do is remain patient.