The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a turning point for the Chicago Bears, especially with General Manager Ryan Poles now firmly steering the ship in the post-Matt Eberflus era. After enduring seasons of mediocrity and missed opportunities, the Bears fanbase is desperate for a franchise-altering offseason—and the 2025 draft could be just that. Poles’ newfound focus and aggression are a stark departure from his earlier, more passive strategies. But can he finally deliver?
A New Era for the Chicago Bears
The firing of Matt Eberflus at the end of the 2024 season was both inevitable and overdue. The Bears’ defense, once a point of pride, became a laughingstock under his tenure, and the offense never found its rhythm under a revolving door of quarterbacks and coaches. Ryan Poles, criticized for not surrounding Justin Fields with adequate talent early in his career, seems to have taken the critiques to heart.
Now, with Fields traded to an AFC contender and the Bears holding two top-10 picks (thanks to the Panthers’ 2023 first-round blunder), Poles has no excuses. The 2025 draft represents a clean slate and a rare opportunity to reset the franchise.
Top 2025 NFL Draft Targets for the Bears
Poles’ newfound urgency is evident in his rumored draft strategy: securing cornerstone players to rebuild from the ground up. Here’s a look at potential picks:
1. Caleb Williams 2.0: Cameron Ward, QB, Washington State
The Bears are in desperate need of a quarterback after moving on from Fields. Cameron Ward, the electrifying dual-threat signal-caller, has been drawing comparisons to Caleb Williams with his off-script brilliance and poise under pressure. Ward could give the Bears the playmaker they’ve lacked since Jay Cutler’s prime (yes, that’s how far back the franchise has to look for semi-competent QB play).
2. Marvin Harrison Jr. 2.0: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
The Bears need an elite weapon for their new QB. Xavier Worthy’s speed, hands, and route-running make him a perfect fit for a team desperate to finally have a true No. 1 receiver. Poles can’t afford to miss on a generational wideout again after the Chase Claypool disaster.
3. The Defensive Savior: Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama
With Eberflus gone, Chicago can no longer cling to a broken defensive philosophy. Dallas Turner, a dominant pass rusher, could restore the Bears’ identity as a defense-first team. Turner has the tools to succeed in the NFL and erase the ghosts of failed draft picks like Leonard Floyd and Kevin White (yes, we’re still bitter).
Why Poles Must Get It Right
The Bears’ rebuild has been a never-ending story, and fans are tired of the excuses. Poles’ early tenure was marred by conservative moves, questionable free-agent signings, and head-scratching draft decisions. But the post-Eberflus era leaves no room for error.
Poles has publicly stated that he’s learned from his mistakes, and his aggressiveness in pre-draft trades suggests he’s serious about overhauling the roster. However, Bears fans have heard it all before. Will this draft finally mark the turning point, or will Poles’ decisions set the franchise back another decade?
Controversy: Should Poles Even Be Trusted?
Some skeptics argue that Poles shouldn’t even get this chance. After all, he’s the architect of the Bears’ disastrous 2023 and 2024 campaigns. Critics question why Chairman George McCaskey has kept Poles while axing Eberflus, given both are equally culpable for the team’s failures.
Others believe Poles deserves credit for his long-term vision, even if his initial execution left much to be desired. The Bears’ massive cap space, multiple high picks, and young talent like Darnell Wright and Jaquan Brisker could make the rebuild successful—if Poles doesn’t blow it.
Final Thoughts: Boom or Bust in Chicago
The 2025 NFL Draft could define Ryan Poles’ legacy. It’s his chance to finally shed the label of a passive GM and prove he can build a contender. If he fails, the Bears will remain trapped in the NFL’s basement.
Will Poles’ newfound aggressiveness pay off, or is this just another chapter in the Bears’ long history of disappointment? The clock is ticking, and Chicago is watching.