Mel Kiper’s biggest gripe with Chicago Bears 2025 draft class

The Chicago Bears used the 2025 NFL Draft as an opportunity to bolster their offense. While there were some defensive selections along the way, Chicago’s first three picks and five of their eight selections were all on offense.

When the Bears hired Ben Johnson as their next head coach, it was clear they wanted to undergo an offensive revival. While quarterback Caleb Williams’ rookie season didn’t go as planned, he is still oozing with potential. Since Johnson’s arrival, the franchise has done everything in their power to put Williams in a place to succeed, including how they handled the 2025 NFL Draft.

However, Chicago’s preference for offensive players left a few voids on the defensive side. The Bears received a B+ overall grade from ESPN’s Mel Kiper. However, the analyst saw a major problem in how the team failed to add a pass rusher in the draft.

“But where are the pass rushers? The Bears’ edge defenders had a pass rush win rate of 10.2%, which was the third worst in the NFL last season,” Kiper wrote. “Shemar Turner is versatile, but he’s primarily an interior defensive lineman. He’ll join Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr. there. I was thinking we might see at least one edge rusher among the Bears’ eight picks.”

“That was enough to knock Chicago down to a B+,” Kiper concluded. “Otherwise, I was a fan of its picks, which seem very centered on elevating Williams’ game in 2025.”

Chicago Bears pass rush

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft rush, pass rush was identified as a key need for the Bears. While the team already has Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo on their roster, Chicago knows they need a bit more firepower across their defensive line to compete with the NFC’s elites.

The addition of Odeyingbo, whom the team signed to a three-year, $48 million contract in free agency, will certainly help. He racked up 16.5 sacks over his four years with the Indianapolis Colts, including eight in 2023. Furthermore, Odeyingbo is coming off of back-to-back 17-sack campaigns, proving he can make a living in the opposing team’s backfield.

Alongside what the edge rusher brings by himself, Odeyingbo should help open up lanes for Sweat. Teams can no longer focus solely on Sweat, with another fiery option coming off the edge. So, at least on paper, it’s an improved unit heading into 2025.

However, there aren’t many proven options behind them. The Bears have high hopes for former fifth-round pick Austin Booker, and he did play in all 17 games as a rookie. But he has yet to make a start, and he has just 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks to his name.

Maybe Chicago decides to hand Booker they keys next to Sweat. Maybe they decide to hit the free agent market and bring in a veteran option. The only thing for certain is the Bears left the 2025 draft still having a need for edge rushers.

Shemar Turner adds versatility 

The one option across the defensive line Chicago did draft was Shemar Turner, with the No. 62 overall pick in the second round. Turner is most known for his work on the interior of the defensive line. However, he played all five positions across the line during his time at Texas A&M, proving he understands how to work inside and out. That versatility certainly increased the Bears interest in him.

Over his four years at Texas A&M, Turner racked up 115 tackles, 24 coming for a loss and 10 sacks. His best season came as a junior, when the lineman racked up 33 tackles go alongside career-highs in TFLs (11) and sacsk (six). Turner was named Second-team All-SEC for his performance.

There is still room for development, and he will need to bulk up to succeed at the NFL level. However, his athleticism has Turner’s arrow pointing up. Furthermore, Turner earned a comparison to current Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

“Three-year starter with “tweener” measurables but excellent musculation and lean mass. Turner plays with unlimited activity and a heavy dose of violence. He has a quick first step and an explosive punch. He’s capable of holding the point against single blocks or working the gaps with foot quickness,” Zierlein wrote.

“His pressure rate is hurt by a lack of length but he’s a restless rusher who hunts blockers’ edges and will eventually leak through if the play extends. His athleticism and chase quickness will see him in or near the pile with some frequency as a future starter.”

Turner may not be the pass rusher Bears fans and pundits envisioned. However, if the defensive lineman is getting after the opposing quarterback, then Chicago’s plan will have worked.

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/mel-kiper-gripe-chicago-bears-draft-class?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mel-kiper-gripe-chicago-bears-draft-class