The Chicago Bears haven’t exactly been a model of draft success in recent years. Misfires in talent evaluation and underwhelming rookie classes have kept the franchise from building sustainable momentum.
But the 2025 NFL Draft? That might just be the turning point Bears fans have been waiting for.
General manager Ryan Poles came into this draft cycle with pressure mounting-and so far, his rookie class is delivering in a big way.
Let’s start with Colston Loveland. The Bears raised a few eyebrows when they used a first-round pick on the Michigan tight end, especially with other positional needs still on the board.
But fast forward to December, and that pick looks more like a home run than a reach. Loveland has been one of the league’s most impactful rookies, ranking third overall among first-year players according to Pro Football Focus.
That’s not just among tight ends-that’s across the entire rookie class. Only Giants running back Cam Skattebo and Bills backup quarterback Jackson Hawes graded higher, and Loveland is right on their heels.
Loveland’s production backs up the hype: 39 catches, 498 yards, and four touchdowns. More importantly, he’s taken over the TE1 role from veteran Cole Kmet, and he’s done it with authority. In Ben Johnson’s offense, Loveland looks like the next evolution of the modern tight end-think Sam LaPorta 2.0, but in navy and orange.
And he’s not the only rookie making waves. Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III, taken in the second round, has also cracked PFF’s top 10 rookie rankings, coming in at No.
- The only wideout ahead of him?
Panthers first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan. Burden’s numbers-36 receptions, 479 yards, and a touchdown-don’t tell the whole story.
What jumps off the tape is his burst, his ability to separate, and the way he’s stepped up in a crowded receiver room. Injuries opened the door, but Burden kicked it off the hinges.
He’s showing the kind of athleticism and polish that made him one of the most coveted prospects in the draft.
Together, Loveland and Burden are giving rookie quarterback Caleb Williams the kind of dynamic, young skill group that can grow with him. That’s the foundation of something special, and it’s happening faster than many expected.
But the Bears’ 2025 draft class doesn’t stop there.
Second-round offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo is starting to look like a long-term answer on the line. He’s not just holding his own-he’s flashing the kind of traits that could anchor the Bears’ front for years to come.
And don’t overlook seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai, who’s making a serious push for the starting job. For a late-round pick, Monangai has been nothing short of a revelation-running with power, vision, and a chip on his shoulder.
Now, let’s be honest: Ryan Poles hasn’t had a perfect track record. There’ve been some misses along the way, and Bears fans have had every reason to be skeptical.
But if this 2025 class is any indication, the front office might have turned a corner. This group isn’t just contributing-they’re changing the tone of the franchise.
If Poles can keep stacking drafts like this one, the Bears could be setting themselves up for sustained success. For now, Chicago’s rookie class is giving fans something they haven’t had in a while: real hope. And that’s a pretty big win in itself.