The Chicago Bears endured a disastrous end to the NFL season, losing 10 of their last 11 games after a promising 4-2 start. In an effort to reverse their fortunes, the Bears revamped their coaching staff.
After acquiring offensive coordinator Ben Johnson from the Detroit Lions, known for his offensive prowess, Chicago bolstered their offensive line with three significant additions this offseason. Protecting their star quarterback, Caleb Williams, and providing him with effective offensive weapons were key objectives.
With free agency concluded, what are the Bears’ remaining needs in the 2025 NFL Draft? Four-time Pro Bowl returner Devin Hester believes their top priority should be “a big playmaker.”
Devin Hester Reveals Chicago Bears’ Biggest Draft Need
Chicago’s wide receiver group, featuring D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, and Keenan Allen, was expected to be among the league’s best. However, all three receivers fell short of the 1,000-yard mark. Given Allen’s uncertain future, Hester believes the Bears should use their No. 10 overall pick on a playmaker in the 2025 NFL Draft.
While many mock drafts predict the Bears will select a running back in the first round, Hester argues that an unexpected early selection could alter the draft’s landscape, and Chicago should prioritize a receiver.
“It’s so unique with the draft because you don’t know who’s going in the first nine picks,” he said on the latest episode of “Up & Adams Show.”
“You know, the first nine picks can set, it change the draft, and I know for sure in the top five picks, it’s going to be the unexpected, crazy draft pick that just shakes up the draft, so you gotta really play by it right now cause it’s gonna be somebody that’s going to get drafted in top ten that you don’t expect to get drafted in the top 10 and it’s going to kind of shake up the draft.
“But I feel like right now in Chicago, we just need another playmaker. A big playmaker to stand up, somebody that can put points on the board to be honest.”
The Bears lack a consistent playmaker outside of DJ Moore heading into the 2025 season, but they also have needs at other positions. In PFSN’s latest mock draft, they are projected to select Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty 10th overall.
“Ben Johnson’s calling card as the Lions offensive coordinator was running the football and building the pass game off of it. With this pick, he can get a big-play threat and a workhorse at the same time. Johnson is an incredibly creative offensive mind who would find ways to scheme Jeanty into the highlight reel every week.”
If Jeanty is available at No. 10, it wouldn’t be surprising for Chicago to draft him. He is considered a top-five prospect, and in addition to his elite running ability, Jeanty recorded 500 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2023.