NFL Draft 2024: Chicago Bears Face Tough Choice at No. 25

Experts split on whether Bears should target defense, offense or trade down in upcoming draft

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:15am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a Chicago Bears football game or draft strategy, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in navy blue, orange, and white, conveying the complexity and uncertainty surrounding the team's upcoming draft pick.The Bears' draft strategy at No. 25 reflects the NFL's evolving philosophy around traditional position labels and the value of 'positionless' athletes.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears' 25th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has analysts divided, with predictions ranging from defensive backs to offensive linemen. Experts debate whether the Bears should focus on rebuilding their 'Monsters of the Midway' legacy, address their pass rush woes, or invest in protecting quarterback Justin Fields. The real story, however, may be the league's evolving philosophy around positional identity and the Bears' history of unpredictable draft moves.

Why it matters

The Bears' 25th pick will be a key decision that could shape the future of their roster and signal broader trends in the NFL. After trading away star pass rusher Khalil Mack, the Bears have struggled to generate consistent pressure, leading some to believe they'll target an edge rusher. But others argue the Bears need to focus on building a more well-rounded defense, including at safety. The pick could also impact how the Bears approach protecting their young QB, Justin Fields, in his contract year.

The details

Analysts are split on the Bears' options at No. 25, with three projecting the team to select Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, two forecasting edge rushers Zion Young or Cashius Howell, and one predicting an unexpected pick of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. The debate highlights the Bears' roster needs, as well as the league's shifting philosophy around traditional position labels and the value of 'positionless' athletes.

  • The 2024 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25-27, 2024.

The players

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A 6-foot-4 safety from the University of Toledo with a highlight reel of hard-hitting plays, McNeil-Warren is seen by some as a potential pick to help rebuild the Bears' 'Monsters of the Midway' legacy.

Zion Young

An edge rusher prospect known for his high-motor play, Young is one of two EDGE players analysts have linked to the Bears at No. 25 as the team looks to address its pass rush deficiencies.

Cashius Howell

Another edge rusher option for the Bears, Howell is praised for his athleticism but may not profile as a dominant 12-sack per year disruptor that the team desperately needs.

Monroe Freeling

The Georgia offensive tackle is an outlier pick, with analysts questioning whether investing a first-rounder in a left tackle makes sense for the Bears given their other roster needs and quarterback Justin Fields' contract situation.

Ryan Poles

The Chicago Bears' general manager, who has shown a flair for unpredictable draft moves, such as trading up for cornerback Kyler Gordon in 2022.

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What’s next

The Bears will make their 25th overall pick during the 2024 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 25-27, 2024. The selection could signal the team's long-term strategy and whether they are doubling down on traditional position archetypes or embracing the league's evolving philosophy around 'positionless' athletes.

The takeaway

The Bears' 25th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has analysts divided, reflecting the team's roster needs and the broader identity crisis facing the league. Chicago's decision could shape the future of their defense, offense, and overall roster-building approach, as they look to build around quarterback Justin Fields and return to relevance in the NFC North.