Yes, a 2025 Dane Brugler Mock

[wulfy]

He's feeling good about the Beloved as he has them picking 18th. Looks like the 2025 is STACKED at DLine - which is something that I'm sure Poles/Cunningham thought about when picking this year.


18. Chicago Bears: Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
Every time Walker rushes the passer, it feels like the field is tilted, which allows him to charge downhill and run through road blocks using his 6-6, 350-pound frame. Throw on the tape from the bowl game against Clemson and watch him work.

Also, he has the Panthers picking first in his mock, so that would mean that the second rounder would be pick 33.

[Heinz D.]

Dude looks a little too Fridge-like to me. Hopefully he can take some of that off.

[Moriarty]

I was just talking to someone (Yogi?) who recommended him and I said I was in, but didn't see him lasting to our pick.

[Heinz D.]

I was just talking to someone (Yogi?) who recommended him and I said I was in, but didn't see him lasting to our pick.

Could easily trade up, using one of the second rounders. Lots of flexibility next year. Poles could even trade down (not drafting Walker then, obviously), and things could get really nuts.

[Grizzled]

Also, he has the Panthers picking first in his mock, so that would mean that the second rounder would be pick 33.

I'm waiting to see how Poles engineers another trade with them for that #1, picking their pocket at the same time. I know some GMs say the best draft is one in which each side wins but you have to admit it's been fascinating to see how the trade for the 2023 #1 pick has laid the foundation for future success.

[Heinz D.]

I'm waiting to see how Poles engineers another trade with them for that #1, picking their pocket at the same time. I know some GMs say the best draft is one in which each side wins but you have to admit it's been fascinating to see how the trade for the 2023 #1 pick has laid the foundation for future success.

Well, on balance, the Panthers thought they had a special QB prospect, so that makes it worth it.

However, I'm not so sure Young is very special, at all...

[Grizzled]

I'm waiting to see how Poles engineers another trade with them for that #1, picking their pocket at the same time. I know some GMs say the best draft is one in which each side wins but you have to admit it's been fascinating to see how the trade for the 2023 #1 pick has laid the foundation for future success.

Well, on balance, the Panthers thought they had a special QB prospect, so that makes it worth it.

However, I'm not so sure Young is very special, at all...

Bad coaching. Bad skill position guys on offense. Didn't really have anything to succeed with. In other words, the typical situation for a #1 pick to fall into, which is why what CW will have is unique.

[wulfy]

Well, on balance, the Panthers thought they had a special QB prospect, so that makes it worth it.

However, I'm not so sure Young is very special, at all...

Bad coaching. Bad skill position guys on offense. Didn't really have anything to succeed with. In other words, the typical situation for a #1 pick to fall into, which is why what CW will have is unique.

Panthers were that bad in the NFC South - the worst division in football

[wab]

I'm not trying to get too far out over my skis, but 18 feels about right. The Rams picked 18th and went 10-7 with a playoff appearance.

I'd be absolutely thrilled with that outcome.

[Yogi da Bear]

I was just talking to someone (Yogi?) who recommended him and I said I was in, but didn't see him lasting to our pick.

Yes! Now that's what I'm talking about.

[UOK]

Projects the Panthers to pick 1st overall for the third year in a row. Good lord.

I mean they traded into that first one, but still, woof.

[wab]

Projects the Panthers to pick 1st overall for the third year in a row. Good lord.

I mean they traded into that first one, but still, woof.

I think it's gonna be the Saints. That team is on the brink of collapse.

[crueltyabc]

Everyone thinks the saints are crazy but I live in NOLA part time and everyone basically understands that the window for success is based on Cam Jordan, Demario Davis, and Alvin Kamara. I'd predict a full-on tank rebuild when those guys fade/retire. Btw, if you think those guys are already fading... you wouldn't be alone but they are beloved so people are clinging to them.

Also everyone hates Dennis Allen and most people hate Derek Carr for checking the ball down when he should be trying to make a play. The "collapse" would be another middling season that gets DA fired and makes those three aging stars mad enough to leave/retire. I think there's enough talent on that team to win 5+ games and I'm confident that at least 3 of Carolina, Tennessee, Las Vegas, NE, and Denver will finish with fewer.

[alexwilkins]

Gimme some of that. Harold Perkins Jr. LB LSU, James Pearce Jr. DE Tennessee, Deone Walker DT Kentucky, and Mason Graham DT Michigan are my top defensive prospects for next year.

[Bears Whiskey Nut]

Projects the Panthers to pick 1st overall for the third year in a row. Good lord.

I mean they traded into that first one, but still, woof.

I think it's gonna be the Saints. That team is on the brink of collapse.

I wouldn't be surprised to see the Falcons pick pretty high next year as well. The GM for that team has put the entire roster in an untenable situation. It's going to be a disaster.

[Grizzled]

And here is one by ESPN. DE, DT, G emphasized, with a couple of OT possibilities (which I doubt they do in the 1st round:

https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/20 ... raft-0705/

[The Marshall Plan]

And here is one by ESPN. DE, DT, G emphasized, with a couple of OT possibilities (which I doubt they do in the 1st round:

https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/20 ... raft-0705/

Round 1 has DL written all over it, but that's what I thought this year too.

As of now Jenkins will be a FA, then maybe Jones a year or so after that. Can't pay everybody.

It's logical that all four picks we have in the first three rounds are linemen and I think that would be a great move.

I think it's DL in round 1, some combination of G and T in the second and then maybe C in the third.

[Moriarty]

I found myself Matt Miller’s early 2025 NFL mock draft. The ESPN analyst has the Bears selecting Mykel Williams, an edge defender from the University of Georgia. Here is Miller’s reasoning behind his pick for Chicago:

General manager Ryan Poles has done a masterful job rebuilding the roster in Chicago, but the defensive line could use someone such as Williams. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound junior has experience playing both inside and outside alignments, but his future is off the edge in the pros. His nine sacks in two seasons of rotational work point to the impact he can make with full-time reps in 2024. Williams’ combination of power and a sudden first-step could get him drafted in the top 10.

Williams is my primary target in mocks right now, too.

[Heinz D.]

Round 1 has DL written all over it, but that's what I thought this year too.

As of now Jenkins will be a FA, then maybe Jones a year or so after that. Can't pay everybody.

If Poles isn't convinced that the Bears have an outside chance at a Super Bowl, I can see him trading Jenkins at the deadline. (Provided Jenkins stays healthy, still is playing well, etc., etc..)

It's logical that all four picks we have in the first three rounds are linemen and I think that would be a great move.

I think it's DL in round 1, some combination of G and T in the second and then maybe C in the third.

Why are you so sure Poles won't go WR in the first?

[The Marshall Plan]

Round 1 has DL written all over it, but that's what I thought this year too.

As of now Jenkins will be a FA, then maybe Jones a year or so after that. Can't pay everybody.

If Poles isn't convinced that the Bears have an outside chance at a Super Bowl, I can see him trading Jenkins at the deadline. (Provided Jenkins stays healthy, still is playing well, etc., etc..)

It's logical that all four picks we have in the first three rounds are linemen and I think that would be a great move.

I think it's DL in round 1, some combination of G and T in the second and then maybe C in the third.

Why are you so sure Poles won't go WR in the first?

With Jenkins' prior health issues and pending FA what is the realistic yield in a trade? Not good.

For all I know we do actually draft a WR in the first and let Allen walk in FA.

But the lines do have needs. The second pass rusher being #1 followed by needing to have hedges against Jenkins in FA, an opportunity to save $20M+ on not paying Braxton Jones and then actually getting a good young center we can build around.

We did take Kiran, but he's one guy.

[Heinz D.]

With Jenkins' prior health issues and pending FA what is the realistic yield in a trade? Not good.

If he's playing well? I'd think a third or a fourth. And I think Poles would take it, too. As I'm envisioning next year's draft to shape up much like you are.

For all I know we do actually draft a WR in the first and let Allen walk in FA.

No offense dude...but I'm getting tired of this notion. Not just from you--but from the bulk of the membership here, and even a good chunk of the football media.

The chance that Keenan Allen is a Bear in 2025 is MUCH higher than the chance he isn't. Y'all need to put down those bottles of crazy juice...

But the lines do have needs. The second pass rusher being #1 followed by needing to have hedges against Jenkins in FA, an opportunity to save $20M+ on not paying Braxton Jones and then actually getting a good young center we can build around.

We'll see how the final roster shapes out, and how Booker does. Spending a high pick on DE2 may be unnecessary, you never know.

But I'm with you, I'm thinking it'll be a linemen heavy draft. And it'll be interesting to see what happens with Jones.

Oh, on a tangentinal note--Does anybody see Poles trading Gordon?

We did take Kiran, but he's one guy.

He's a lottery ticket, just like Jones was. But...maybe he'll pay off, just like Jones did!

[The Marshall Plan]

With Jenkins' prior health issues and pending FA what is the realistic yield in a trade? Not good.

If he's playing well? I'd think a third or a fourth. And I think Poles would take it, too. As I'm envisioning next year's draft to shape up much like you are.

For all I know we do actually draft a WR in the first and let Allen walk in FA.

No offense dude...but I'm getting tired of this notion. Not just from you--but from the bulk of the membership here, and even a good chunk of the football media.

The chance that Keenan Allen is a Bear in 2025 is MUCH higher than the chance he isn't. Y'all need to put down those bottles of crazy juice...

But the lines do have needs. The second pass rusher being #1 followed by needing to have hedges against Jenkins in FA, an opportunity to save $20M+ on not paying Braxton Jones and then actually getting a good young center we can build around.

We'll see how the final roster shapes out, and how Booker does. Spending a high pick on DE2 may be unnecessary, you never know.

But I'm with you, I'm thinking it'll be a linemen heavy draft. And it'll be interesting to see what happens with Jones.

Oh, on a tangentinal note--Does anybody see Poles trading Gordon?

We did take Kiran, but he's one guy.

He's a lottery ticket, just like Jones was. But...maybe he'll pay off, just like Jones did!

Just for reference I have advocated resigning Allen.

Now about Gordon and that defense because there are a few things to unpack here:

1) What scheme will we be running in 2025 and 2026? This is driven by who is the HC? If we have a solid season this year it'll be Eberflus. If we don't make the playoffs then it's anybody's guess, but I'm guessing it won't be a Cover-2 / 3 scheme like we have now.

2) A fundamental problem we have today is that our defense is built backwards for the scheme that we run. We have money in the secondary and at LB, but until we got Sweat we had virtually nothing at DL. That's not how one should build a defense predicated upon the front four getting home to generate the pressure.

Given Point 2 and if Eberflus is still here in 2025 / 2026, then yes I think trading Gordon is a good idea v paying him. Having something like $50M (or whatever) tied up at CB which then forces us to not spend on another DE or that coveted 3T which you need to have an effective Cover-2.

I'm not counting on Booker to be this world beater. That's not fair to expect that, or even worse plan for that, given his draft position. I'm not trying to shit on one of our players before he even takes the field, but we shouldn't be hoping a fifth rounder fills the need of one of the top two most important positions on this defense.

So yes, as things stand today, I trade Gordon and spend money on the DL in 2025 if we haven't solved the DL problem in the 2024 draft.

[Heinz D.]

Just for reference I have advocated resigning Allen.

Now about Gordon and that defense because there are a few things to unpack here:

1) What scheme will we be running in 2025 and 2026? This is driven by who is the HC? If we have a solid season this year it'll be Eberflus. If we don't make the playoffs then it's anybody's guess, but I'm guessing it won't be a Cover-2 / 3 scheme like we have now.

2) A fundamental problem we have today is that our defense is built backwards for the scheme that we run. We have money in the secondary and at LB, but until we got Sweat we had virtually nothing at DL. That's not how one should build a defense predicated upon the front four getting home to generate the pressure.

Given Point 2 and if Eberflus is still here in 2025 / 2026, then yes I think trading Gordon is a good idea v paying him. Having something like $50M (or whatever) tied up at CB which then forces us to not spend on another DE or that coveted 3T which you need to have an effective Cover-2.

I'm not counting on Booker to be this world beater. That's not fair to expect that, or even worse plan for that, given his draft position. I'm not trying to shit on one of our players before he even takes the field, but we shouldn't be hoping a fifth rounder fills the need of one of the top two most important positions on this defense.

So yes, as things stand today, I trade Gordon and spend money on the DL in 2025 if we haven't solved the DL problem in the 2024 draft.

I know you're a big Allen fan, as well. It's just that a lot of people are looking at the situation like it's a coin flip kinda deal. Let's just say--any hardcore gamblers out there, I wouldn't put money on Allen being on a different team in 2025.

If I was a GM who needed a free safety--I'd trade a second for Gordon in a crackhead heartbeat. Bring him in and convert him.

And yeah...the DL still needs work. I agree, there. My thinking was that if whoever Poles ends up signing PLUS Booker makes for a decent solution, as far as the rush goes...I can see Poles kicking that particular can down the road a bit.

[RichH55]

Just for reference I have advocated resigning Allen.

Now about Gordon and that defense because there are a few things to unpack here:

1) What scheme will we be running in 2025 and 2026? This is driven by who is the HC? If we have a solid season this year it'll be Eberflus. If we don't make the playoffs then it's anybody's guess, but I'm guessing it won't be a Cover-2 / 3 scheme like we have now.

2) A fundamental problem we have today is that our defense is built backwards for the scheme that we run. We have money in the secondary and at LB, but until we got Sweat we had virtually nothing at DL. That's not how one should build a defense predicated upon the front four getting home to generate the pressure.

Given Point 2 and if Eberflus is still here in 2025 / 2026, then yes I think trading Gordon is a good idea v paying him. Having something like $50M (or whatever) tied up at CB which then forces us to not spend on another DE or that coveted 3T which you need to have an effective Cover-2.

I'm not counting on Booker to be this world beater. That's not fair to expect that, or even worse plan for that, given his draft position. I'm not trying to shit on one of our players before he even takes the field, but we shouldn't be hoping a fifth rounder fills the need of one of the top two most important positions on this defense.

So yes, as things stand today, I trade Gordon and spend money on the DL in 2025 if we haven't solved the DL problem in the 2024 draft.

I know you're a big Allen fan, as well. It's just that a lot of people are looking at the situation like it's a coin flip kinda deal. Let's just say--any hardcore gamblers out there, I wouldn't put money on Allen being on a different team in 2025.

If I was a GM who needed a free safety--I'd trade a second for Gordon in a crackhead heartbeat. Bring him in and convert him.

And yeah...the DL still needs work. I agree, there. My thinking was that if whoever Poles ends up signing PLUS Booker makes for a decent solution, as far as the rush goes...I can see Poles kicking that particular can down the road a bit.

Definitely going down a Rabbithole here on this the crackhead part - Wondering if they experience time differently

[RichH55]

Projects the Panthers to pick 1st overall for the third year in a row. Good lord.

I mean they traded into that first one, but still, woof.

I think it's gonna be the Saints. That team is on the brink of collapse.

I don't know why but:
Feels like this has been the Saints motto since 2014?

[Moriarty]

I think it's gonna be the Saints. That team is on the brink of collapse.

I don't know why but:
Feels like this has been the Saints motto since 2014?

They've been super-talented about pushing the pain down the road, and they haven't fallen as hard or as soon as expected.

But they've also missed the playoffs for 3 straight years, have an unimpressive Vegas over/under of 7.5 this year, and are already 88M over the cap for 2025 (which is just ridiculous for an entire year in advance - by comparison, the Bears are 61M under).

Assuming they miss 5 straight, even the Bears have only done that once since 2000.
They're spinning their wheels, until they decide to accept the rebuild.

[RichH55]

I don't know why but:
Feels like this has been the Saints motto since 2014?

They've been super-talented about pushing the pain down the road, and they haven't fallen as hard or as soon as expected.

But they've also missed the playoffs for 3 straight years, have an unimpressive Vegas over/under of 7.5 this year, and are already 88M over the cap for 2025 (which is just ridiculous for an entire year in advance - by comparison, the Bears are 61M under).

Assuming they miss 5 straight, even the Bears have only done that once since 2000.
They're spinning their wheels, until they decide to accept the rebuild.

Oh its all spinning plates for sure

Live shot of the Saints GM every offseason