The 2025 NFL Draft marked a transformative moment for the Chicago Bears. Years of careful draft strategy, blockbuster trades, and bold decisions have come together to reshape the franchise's future. In this article, we break down the Bears draft choices, the lasting impact of their key trade, and what these moves mean for the team and its fans.

Revisiting the Blockbuster Trade That Defined the Bears Draft

The story of the 2025 Bears draft cannot be told without revisiting the franchise-altering trade that brought both DJ Moore and quarterback Caleb Williams to Chicago. Two years ago, the Bears and Carolina Panthers finalized a deal that sent shockwaves throughout the NFL. The Bears traded away the top pick in the 2023 draft, receiving a package that included a trove of picks and a proven receiver in Moore.

This deal’s far-reaching implications became even clearer during the 2025 draft. Reports detail how the trade unfolded and the returns for Chicago over several years. For a full breakdown of every pick and player involved, check out the Windy City Gridiron’s analysis. The recap highlights how the Bears, over multiple seasons, landed franchise cornerstones, including:

• DJ Moore, a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver
• Darnell Wright, a stalwart right tackle
• Tyrique Stevenson, a starting cornerback
• Caleb Williams, the dynamic young quarterback
• Luther Burden III, the exciting 2025 rookie wideout

Key Bears Draft Picks and Their Grades in 2025

With the foundation set, Chicago entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a chance to supercharge its offense. The front office and new head coach Ben Johnson sought to give Williams the weapons needed for long-term success. According to The Athletic’s comprehensive tracker, the Bears’ picks were well-received by analysts:

• First Round (10th overall): Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
  Loveland is considered a perfect fit for Johnson’s scheme, drawing comparisons to elite NFL tight ends. With size, speed, and football intelligence, he is projected to become a favorite target for Williams.

• Second Round (39th overall): Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
  Burden was highlighted as a value pick with dynamic run-after-catch ability. Scouts praised his potential to grow into a top receiver, complementing DJ Moore and Rome Odunze in an already impressive receiving corps.

Analysts awarded high grades for these picks, emphasizing Chicago’s commitment to offensive firepower. For detailed grades and expert breakdowns, visit The Athletic’s pick tracker.

The Final Piece: Completing the Trade and Its Lasting Impact

The massive package that began with the 2023 first-overall pick concluded as Chicago used Carolina's second-round selection in 2025 to secure Burden. Yahoo Sports outlines how each asset acquired in the deal contributed to the Bears’ long-term plan. DJ Moore emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive receivers. Darnell Wright solidified the offensive line. Tyrique Stevenson and Tory Taylor rounded out critical roster spots. The final measure of the trade, however, will always center on Caleb Williams.

Outlook: What the 2025 Bears Draft Means for Chicago

With strong pieces in place and a new coaching staff, the Bears draft efforts over the past three years have positioned Chicago as an emerging contender. By maximizing trade assets and hitting on key picks, the Bears have finally built a roster with real staying power.

The success of the Bears draft hinges on continued development from Williams and contributions from this year’s rookie class. If these players realize their potential, Chicago fans can look forward to sustained success—and perhaps the start of a new era of Bears football.

Ready to dive deeper into the strategy and stories behind the picks? Explore the full trade analysis and check the expert grades and scouting reports for all the insights you need.