Make no mistake about it: The Bears’ draft will be judged on the success or failure of the first pick — quarterback Caleb Williams. But beyond Williams and fellow first-rounder Rome Odunze, the Bears added three solid prospects who could play significant roles on a team that seems ready to become a consistent contender.
After trading 2024 draft picks for veterans Montez Sweat, Keenan Allen and Ryan Bates, General Manager Ryan Poles entered his third draft with only four picks — two in the first round, one in the third and one in the fourth. He said before the draft he didn’t mind the loss of picks this time around because the roster has improved to a point where “it’s going to be hard to make our team.”
That was hardly the case in his first two seasons. But Poles focused on adding depth across the board, trading down to assemble an 11-man draft class in 2022 and a 10-man class in ’23.
The Bears wound up with a five-man class after Poles sent a pick from next year’s draft to Buffalo for one of the Bills’ four picks in the fifth round. They are set to have eight in the 2025 draft, including their own first-rounder and two in the second round.
Credit Poles for using this three mid-round picks on promising players. The Bears added offensive tackle Kiran Amegadje in the third round, punter Troy Taylor in the fourth round and edge rusher Austin Booker in the fifth round. Here’s a look at how they should fit in:
— Amegadjie, a three-year starter at Yale from Chicago’s western suburbs, will challenge 2021 pick Larry Borum to become the top reserve behind left tackle Braxton Jones and right tackle Darnell Wright. Pro Football Focus had him ranked as the 10th best tackle in a deep class, ranking him 57th overall. Poles landed him with the 75th pick. There’s some thought he could eventually push Jones for a starting spot but Poles insists he’s confident with Jones protecting Williams’ blind side.
— Taylor, the NCAA’s leading punter, is a major threat to holdover punter Trenton Gill, who Poles selected in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. Taylor was a feature of Iowa’s grind-it-out style in 2023, leading colleges in total punts and ranking fourth in average distance. The Bears believe he can help them control field position. He’s an Australian-born specialist and should be familiar with kicking conditions in the Midwest. Gill was last in the NFL in net average last year, so he shouldn’t be surprised to find himself with strong competition.
— Booker should develop into a rotational player behind Sweat and 2023 free-agent addition DeMarcus Walker. He had a limited college resume but caught the Bears’ attention with his nine sacks and 27 quarterback hurries last season. His 14.8 pass-rush rate was excellent and the Bears believe that will translate to the NFL after studying him at the Senior Bowl. The Bears believe he will add some size and strength to his 245-pound frame. PFF ranked him as the 12th best edge rusher and 88th best player overall. Poles traded back into the draft to get him with the 144th pick.