2025 NFL Draft Thread

[wab]

#10 - Mykel Williams
#39 - Josh Connerly
#41 - Mason Taylor
#72 - Cam Skattebo

I'll be really surprised if Conerly gets out of Day 1.

There are only a few “true” tackle types. Connerly, Earsery, and Simmons. Connerly is probably going to go in the bottom 1/3 of R1.

[Bearfacts]

I'll be very interested to see how this ends up for the top OL prospects. More people seem to categorize Campbell as an OG than either Membou or Banks both of whom the majority of analysts and NFL types see as playing OG. I have a hard time accepting that whoever drafts Campbell won't play him at OT until he proves he can't play at OT.

[G08]

[G08]

1. WILL CAMPBELL, Louisiana State (6-6, 319, 4.98, 1): Third-year junior. “He’s super talented,” one scout said. “Can do it all. He’s quick, has feet, he’s athletic. His technique’s really good. In the run game, he can position or jolt people. In pass pro, he can mirror. He’ll give up some (pressure) every so often on an inside move mostly. He’s got Pro Bowl talent. His arms are a little short. That’d be the only concern.” Arm (32 5/8 inches) and hand (9 ½ inches) measurements at the combine (regarded as the standard by most teams) were the shortest/smallest among the top tackles. “There’s always exceptions, there’s always outliers,” the scout said.

[wab]

I didn't see anything posted about it, but Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen were at Michigan's pro day on Friday...presumably to watch Kenneth Grant, as he was the only notable player to work out.

It's worth noting because Michigan's is the only Pro Day that Johnson has attended.

[Grizzled]

Poles and Bieniemy attended the University of Texas' pro day. Jaydon Blue, the RB, is a speedster:

https://247sports.com/player/jaydon-blue-46085418/

[Grizzled]

Apparently this has become an issue, that some are saying that several playters' arm length measurements at the Combine are too short by 1/2 inch compared to measurements at respective Pro Days, the Senior Bowl, or the Shrine Bowl. This would put Will Campbell over 33 inches, which many say is the shortest they will accept for an OT:

https://www.sportsmockery.com/chicago-b ... iscussion/

[wab]

Poles and Bieniemy attended the University of Texas' pro day. Jaydon Blue, the RB, is a speedster:

https://247sports.com/player/jaydon-blue-46085418/

He’s fast, but I don’t think he’s very good. He fumbles a lot and can’t pass protect worth a single shit.

[cblaz11]

Mykel Williams to the Bears at 10 makes too much sense.

1. Size
2. Character
3. Age…he’s only 20 years old
4. Durability

I haven’t said it yet..but he’s getting very close to becoming my 2025 “My Guy”.

[Grizzled]

Poles and Bieniemy attended the University of Texas' pro day. Jaydon Blue, the RB, is a speedster:

https://247sports.com/player/jaydon-blue-46085418/

He’s fast, but I don’t think he’s very good. He fumbles a lot and can’t pass protect worth a single shit.

Good info but I'm sure the Bears were looking at OT and S also, 2 positions the Bears should look at.

[wab]

He’s fast, but I don’t think he’s very good. He fumbles a lot and can’t pass protect worth a single shit.

Good info but I'm sure the Bears were looking at OT and S also, 2 positions the Bears should look at.

I agree, but you posted about the RB so that's why I was giving context.

[Grizzled]

Good info but I'm sure the Bears were looking at OT and S also, 2 positions the Bears should look at.

I agree, but you posted about the RB so that's why I was giving context.

You're down there and more on top of Texas sports so any such insights are good.

[Bearfacts]

Looking at what Poles and Johnson have done in the offseason. I expect a RB to be drafted in the first two rounds. In a perfect world, I think you go DT, RB, EDGE. They can trade down from 10 and still get someone like Derrick Harmon or Kenneth Grant, who would be amazing. If you can trade down 5-6 spots and pick up another 2nd round pick. I think you add a S or OG. Thuney is on the back end of his career, and you really couldn't do any better than your young stud G (Tyler Booker) learning from the best. If that's the case then you just picked up starting players at DT, RB, EDGE, and OG.

I don't know it what order but the way things are shaping up those would seem to be the most obvious spots left to fill. The top three picks should all be spent on players who can contribute this season and without a doubt all three can. The problem with spending a high pick on any OG in this draft is that unless starters are injured that guy will sit for 2-3 years. There's no logic behind doing that even when it means passing on some potentially good OL and I believe Poles will.

Now that he's resolved the IOL starting positions big time I'm leaning toward Poles taking a DT and DE with his first two pick. That's where there's also some very good value to be had in the first two rounds. There are at least 4 of each who will go from #10 through the middle of round two and maybe a few more late in two and early in three. And there a shit load of good RB depending on what Johnson wants in one. We keep thinking power back but he may already feel Roschon can handle that role. Then the equation changes.

I'm thinking now that he won't even draft another LT until Day Two. There are still those who like Jones and others who believe it's up to Amegadjie to take the starters job from him this summer. And he might. He brings an element of size and strength Jones doesn't have and never will. Amegadjie is also very athletic but he's not a finesse type blocker. The two should have a good competition during camp and we may be more solid at LT then than we believe we are now.

[Z Bear]

I do not see them taking an OT until day 3, if at all. You have an average LT in Jones who is on a cheap contract, which makes him actually a good value. Then you have a Day 2 pick with all the size and athleticism in the world behind him that they would like to see what he has before writing him off. I do not think the staff has written off Amergadjie like most fans have because of one bad start. There is no way they should be thinking of extending Jones unless he shows a lot more this season, so hopefully Kiran shows enough to you feel comfortable with him battling a rookie in 2026 for the LT spot. You have bigger needs at RB, WR, DE, LB, and S right now.

[wab]

I do not see them taking an OT until day 3, if at all. You have an average LT in Jones who is on a cheap contract, which makes him actually a good value. Then you have a Day 2 pick with all the size and athleticism in the world behind him that they would like to see what he has before writing him off. I do not think the staff has written off Amergadjie like most fans have because of one bad start. There is no way they should be thinking of extending Jones unless he shows a lot more this season, so hopefully Kiran shows enough to you feel comfortable with him battling a rookie in 2026 for the LT spot. You have bigger needs at RB, WR, DE, LB, and S right now.

I've been saying this since like January but very few people have agreed with me.

[Grizzled]

Top 30 visits to date include:

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Josh Conerly, OT, Oregon
Isaiah Bond, WR, Texas
Breshard Smith, RB, SMU
Nick Martin, LB, The OSU (Oklahoma State)

[Grizzled]

I do not see them taking an OT until day 3, if at all. You have an average LT in Jones who is on a cheap contract, which makes him actually a good value. Then you have a Day 2 pick with all the size and athleticism in the world behind him that they would like to see what he has before writing him off. I do not think the staff has written off Amergadjie like most fans have because of one bad start. There is no way they should be thinking of extending Jones unless he shows a lot more this season, so hopefully Kiran shows enough to you feel comfortable with him battling a rookie in 2026 for the LT spot. You have bigger needs at RB, WR, DE, LB, and S right now.

I've been saying this since like January but very few people have agreed with me.

Their backs are not against the wall at LT. They have this year to evaluate Jones and KA. Of course, after their expected fantastic '25 season, they'll be drafting much lower in the 1st, making it hard to select a LT if needed but that's a chance they can take.

[thunderspirit]

Long podcast episode: Nate Tice interviews formerly offensive line coach/dad Mike Tice about offensive linemen. (Feel free to ignore Nate butchering multiple player names, LOL.)

[wulfy]

#10 - Mykel Williams
#39 - Josh Connerly
#41 - Mason Taylor
#72 - Cam Skattebo

I'll be really surprised if Conerly gets out of Day 1.

Agree, but I would run to the podium at 39. Perfect understudy and take over when Braxton hits free agency.

Braxton @ 5th Round Rookie Contract =
Braxton @ $20M AAV =

[G08]

[Heinz D.]

Which is why Poles will trade up for Jeanty.

No, it's hard to say for sure what he'll do...but trading down does make some sense. I'd feel a lot comfier with another second and a fourth.

[RichH55]

Even if he's never strong enough to stop bull rushes Josh Connerly's agility makes me like him as a high floor type player who could hang around swing tackle for a long time.

I think that would speak more to his Ceiling than Floor.....your mileage may vary

[RichH55]

I'll be really surprised if Conerly gets out of Day 1.

Agree, but I would run to the podium at 39. Perfect understudy and take over when Braxton hits free agency.

Braxton @ 5th Round Rookie Contract =
Braxton @ $20M AAV =

Eh. Not really seeing it in the guy to be honest

[RichH55]

I'll be really surprised if Conerly gets out of Day 1.

It's worth it if the guy pans out.

This is basically true on most draft picks and most positions.

[G08]

I'll be really surprised if Conerly gets out of Day 1.

Agree, but I would run to the podium at 39. Perfect understudy and take over when Braxton hits free agency.

Braxton @ 5th Round Rookie Contract =
Braxton @ $20M AAV =

Yeeeup

[Bearfacts]

I'll be really surprised if Conerly gets out of Day 1.

Agree, but I would run to the podium at 39. Perfect understudy and take over when Braxton hits free agency.

Braxton @ 5th Round Rookie Contract =
Braxton @ $20M AAV =

But here's the thing, and I already posted on this on another site. Jones can be extended for far less than that $20 AAV number that keeps popping up now. Here the author proposes a very common sense approach to it.

https://247sports.com/nfl/chicago-bears ... cket_saves

While the extension is $60 ml/3 yrs the AAV is far less over the first three years provided it's an extension of his rookie deal. The deal guarantees only $29 mil which will be paid out from 2025-2027 and the AAV through those three years is just $13.33 mil per year. Less than we're playing Dalman.

Even if Jones should fulfill the entire 4 years as the starting LT he would still average less than $20 mil AAV and we'd be happy to pay it because he will have improved greatly from where he is now. It'll also seem cheap compared to what contract for any starting LT will average within another year or two.

I'm not advocating that Poles extend Jones I'm just posting an article from someone whom I though came up with a fair offer to make to him should Poles decide to do it. Obviously no decision on it would be made prior to the draft and camp and preseason to also see where Amegadjie is in his development.

But I do believe we should dispose of the idea that it will actually cost $20 mil AAV in cash or cap to extend Braxton Jones when the more accurate number may only be 2/3 of that. Given what we're paying the IOL $13 mil and change is more than fair if he can still ascend under Roushar and Johnson.

[HurricaneBear]

Braxton Jones is in the same spot Tevin was in last year. Go on the field and stay on the field and be more consistent. He does that Poles will extend him but that should absolutely not happen til mid season at best. I think the difference is I(and I'm guessing others) don't think he's going to prove he's anything more than he is now. I don't want the player he is now after this season. Ben Johnson said the bar has been raised higher than it's ever been. To me that includes what we should accept as good enough. Braxtons done enough for a chance to prove himself, nothing more imo

I'd still go OL at 10 or with one of the 2nds

[Bearfacts]

Braxton Jones is in the same spot Tevin was in last year. Go on the field and stay on the field and be more consistent. He does that Poles will extend him but that should absolutely not happen til mid season at best. I think the difference is I(and I'm guessing others) don't think he's going to prove he's anything more than he is now. I don't want the player he is now after this season. Ben Johnson said the bar has been raised higher than it's ever been. To me that includes what we should accept as good enough. Braxtons done enough for a chance to prove himself, nothing more imo

I'd still go OL at 10 or with one of the 2nds

Oh I believe Poles should definitely draft another LT prospect. The only question is who and where. Although it's not a requirement most guys drafted as high as #10 are expected to be day one starters at the position they're drafted to play. Is there a LT prospect who can do that and will he be on the board at #10?

Between Jones, Amegadjie and a rookie OT there should be enough competition for a starting spot, a primary backup LT, and a swing OT. Given the cost of FA OT we really do need to keep drafting and developing our own prospects. JMHO

[HisRoyalSweetness]

Braxton Jones is in the same spot Tevin was in last year. Go on the field and stay on the field and be more consistent. He does that Poles will extend him but that should absolutely not happen til mid season at best.

I really think a lot of folk aren't putting as much weight on this as they should. Braxton Jones has missed just as much time as Jenkins the past two seasons:

Jenkins
2023: 12 games (11 starts), 736 snaps
2024: 14 games (14 starts), 738 snaps

Jones
2023: 11 games (11 starts), 730 snaps
2024: 12 games (12 starts), 720 snaps

[RichH55]

Braxton Jones is in the same spot Tevin was in last year. Go on the field and stay on the field and be more consistent. He does that Poles will extend him but that should absolutely not happen til mid season at best.

I really think a lot of folk aren't putting as much weight on this as they should. Braxton Jones has missed just as much time as Jenkins the past two seasons:

Jenkins
2023: 12 games (11 starts), 736 snaps
2024: 14 games (14 starts), 738 snaps

Jones
2023: 11 games (11 starts), 730 snaps
2024: 12 games (12 starts), 720 snaps

This does overlook that these are the "Healthy" Jenkins seasons and the Games Started thing is particularly unfair because Jenkins tended to leave like 8 minutes after the Anthem finished in a bunch of them (Games Finished? How about that.....)

Otherwise yes. Health is actually the biggest Braxton Jones issue (it's still not Jenkins bad.....Fair is fair)....but it's the biggest issue in his Game. And absolutely a fair thing to worry about.