The Map to the Mountain: A 7-Round Bears Mock Draft
- peytonpatterson85
- Apr 20
- 5 min read
By Peyton Patterson, Soldier Field Sagas
Every draft tells a story. Some teams chase talent, others chase needs—but the smart ones? They build toward a vision. In this mock, I’m assuming Jeanty, Campbell, and Mason Graham are all gone by pick 10. That leaves the Bears staring at a crossroads: roll the dice on a raw pass rusher, reach for the third-best tackle, or lean into the identity they’ve started to build.
If 2024 was about laying the foundation, then 2025 needs to be about conviction—putting everything behind Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson. Let’s go all in on offense and leave no doubt.
Round 1, Pick 10 – Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State
This might raise some eyebrows, but hear me out.
Tyler Warren isn’t just a tight end—he’s a Swiss Army knife. A do-it-all player who doesn’t fit neatly into a box. He can line up next to Kmet in 12 personnel and help form a wall. He can split out wide and bully corners in the red zone. He can even take snaps out of the Wildcat and power forward like a running back. The guy is just different.
Warren won the Mackey Award and took home Fiesta Bowl MVP honors. He’s tough, versatile, and a nightmare for defenses that rely on structure. Is he the fastest guy in the world? No. Is his blocking perfect? Not yet. But what he brings is adaptability, toughness, and a rare ability to move the chains in creative ways.
If you give Ben Johnson a piece like this, he’ll find a way to use it. The offense becomes layered—less predictable, more dangerous. And for a team trying to remove every excuse and give Caleb Williams every chance to shine, Warren makes a ton of sense.
No need to reach for a lesser player just to check a box. Go get a difference-maker.
Round 2, Pick 39 – Josh Simmons, Offensive Tackle, Ohio State
This would be an absolute steal if it plays out this way.
Josh Simmons is the best true left tackle in this class in my eyes. He’s athletic, aggressive, and checks all the boxes physically. The reason he’s even available here is injury concern—he’s working through a knee issue—and there are whispers about his maturity. But in terms of raw ability and upside, this is a top-15 player.
The Bears brought in Drew Dallman, Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney to anchor the interior, and Darnell Wright’s locked in on the right side. But left tackle still feels unsettled. Braxton Jones has held his own, but he’s not untouchable. Simmons would give you real competition at LT, and if healthy, I think he beats Jones out pretty quickly.
You don’t often get second chances at cornerstone positions. If Simmons falls, don’t overthink it. Take the swing.
Round 2, Pick 41 – Quinshon Judkins, Running Back, Ohio State
If the Bears want to finish off this offensive overhaul, this is the spot to grab a running back—and for me, the best fit is Quinshon Judkins.
Some will argue for TreVeyon Henderson, and I get it. He’s electric. But drafting Henderson means fully replacing D’Andre Swift. With Judkins, you don’t have to. He’s the perfect complement—physical, efficient, and willing to handle the dirty work. He can take on short yardage, help in pass protection, and wear down defenses late in games.
He’s not the flashiest pick, but Ben Johnson doesn’t need flashy. He needs guys who can execute the vision. Judkins can do that—and still bring plenty of pop.
Round 3, Pick 72 – Jack Sawyer, Edge Rusher, Ohio State
No, this isn’t a Buckeye bias—I promise.
Jack Sawyer just feels like the right player at the right time. He might not have the bend or length of some of the top pass rushers, but he’s incredibly strong at the point of attack and holds up well against the run. He plays like a pro, and at 260 pounds, he could easily bulk up a bit more without losing explosiveness.
With Montez Sweat locked in, Austin Booker developing, and Dayo Odeyingbo rotating inside and out, this pick would round out the Bears’ edge group beautifully. You’d have a rotation built for the long haul—waves of guys who can keep the pressure on.
Sawyer won’t wow you with flash, but he’ll outwork most players on the field. There’s real value in that, especially in Round 3.
Round 4, Pick 114 – CJ West, Defensive Tackle, Indiana (via trade-up with CAR)
This is where I’m getting aggressive.
The Bears trade their 5th, 7th, and a future pick to jump up and secure CJ West—because sometimes, you move up for fit over flash.
West isn’t built like a stat-chaser. He’s a shorter, powerful defensive tackle who thrives in the trenches. He’s got that classic 1-tech mentality—disruptive, physical, and relentless. You don’t draft him expecting sacks. You draft him because he can gum up the middle and make life easier for everyone around him.
Andrew Billings is still a rock in the middle, but he’s not the long-term answer. West could be. Their styles are nearly identical, and learning behind a pro like Billings would be the perfect landing spot.
He’s not a household name, but he plays with the kind of effort and motor that shows up on tape. You need guys like this on your roster—especially when you’re trying to build a complete defensive front.
Round 7, Pick 240 – Efton Chism III, Wide Receiver, Eastern Washington
This is the kind of late-round swing I love.
Efton Chism III isn’t going to jump off the screen with measurables, but he just gets open. He’s a savvy route runner with great body control and a feel for how to separate. He’s the type of guy who’s always in the right place, and when a play breaks down, he finds space.
For the Bears, this is all about value. They’ve invested heavily at WR already, but you can’t count on depth staying healthy forever. Chism gives you a high-IQ, reliable option who could grow into something more. Worst case? He’s a depth piece with special teams potential. Best case? He’s the next mid-major receiver to outplay his draft slot.
Every receiver room needs one guy who just gets it. Chism fits that mold.
Final Thoughts
This class is about finishing the picture. The foundation is there—Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson, and a core of proven vets. Now it’s about adding smart, versatile, and high-upside players who elevate the roster around them.
Tyler Warren gives you a movable chess piece for the offense.
Josh Simmons could be your left tackle of the future.
Judkins balances the backfield.
Sawyer deepens the edge rotation.
CJ West brings a spark to the defensive interior.
And Chism? He’s the kind of guy who shows up when you need him most.
There’s no perfect draft, but this one brings the Bears closer to a complete, sustainable contender. The mountain’s still ahead—but this is the map that gets you there.
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