DRAFT REPORT: What draft analysts think Bears will do with No. 10 pick
With the NFL Draft just one week away, here’s what 10 draft analysts are predicting the Bears will do with the No. 10 pick in the first round:
Mike Band, NFL.com (April 14)
Pick: Penn State tight end Tyler Warren
Comment: After overhauling the offensive line this offseason, GM Ryan Poles and HC Ben Johnson turn their attention to completing a 12-personnel-heavy attack by giving Cole Kmet a running mate at tight end. Warren’s ability to block inline and work the short-to-intermediate areas makes him a natural fit as a security blanket for a young quarterback like Caleb Williams. His versatility and toughness align with the offensive identity Johnson is looking to establish in Chicago.
Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football (April 14)
Pick: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty
Comment: The Bears did a great job of addressing their offensive line. They can now obtain a player who can run behind it. Ben Johnson was with the Lions when they used an early first-round pick on Jahmyr Gibbs. He may see the value with using this selection on another talented back. Ashton Jeanty has impressive speed and athleticism, and he also possesses terrific receiving ability.
Nate Davis, USA Today (April 14)
Pick: Michigan cornerback Will Johnson
Comment: He’s providing a personal workout Monday in Ann Arbor – and that could carry a lot of weight given the shoulder, toe and hamstring injuries Johnson has dealt with over the past year. But if he looks like the player who was a first-team All-American for the Wolverines’ 2023 national championship squad, then he could (should?) be the first pure corner off the board. Will Johnson has prototypical size (6-2, 194) and ball skills for the position, swiping nine passes (two of them pick-sixes) during three seasons at Michigan.
Josh Edwards, CBS (April 10)
Pick: Marshall edge rusher Mike Green
Comment: Chicago signed Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency but he could slide inside on passing downs and allow Mike Green and Montez Sweat to hunt off the corners. Beyond Carter, Green is probably the cleanest of the edge rusher prospects.
Emory Hunt, CBS Sports (April 15)
Pick: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 7 via trade with Jets
Comment: Because the Bears made the moves they’ve made in free agency, they have the luxury of going up a couple of spots to ensure they get exactly who they want in the first round. Jeanty would be the proverbial cherry on top for the Bears’ revamped offensive attack.
Alex Joyce, Sports Illustrated (April 13)
Pick: Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou
Comment: Chicago already has a solid roster, but they must keep last year’s prize QB pick Caleb Williams upright if they plan on competing in the NFC North. Trading for Kansas City’s Joe Thuney and signing Drew Dalman from Atlanta helps solidify the interior of the line, while adding Membou could anchor the Bears’ line.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com (April 8)
Pick: Penn State tight end Tyler Warren
Comment: Offseason moves to add interior offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman should buy Caleb Williams more time to throw. Landing Warren would give the second-year quarterback another reliable target. New Bears coach Ben Johnson could line up Warren anywhere, get him the ball and let him roll to first downs after the catch. The versatile tight end had 1,233 receiving yards last season, and 700 of them came once the ball was in his hands.
Garrett Podell, CBS Sports (April 14)
Pick: Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Comment: A key factor of new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s success as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator was having a dominant offensive line. That’s why the Bears take Kelvin Banks, an All-America offensive tackle who has top-tier technique as a pass protector.
Seth Quinn, Newsweek (April 11)
Pick: Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell
Comment: The Bears could use a running back, but with Jeanty off the board, they settle for the best defender available. That is Campbell, who provides nice versatility for the Bears’ defense as both an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker.
Michael Renner, CBS Sports (April 14)
Pick: Penn State tight end Tyler Warren
Comment: Warren is a mismatch weapon in the Bears offense that can pair in Ben Johnson’s famous two tight end sets with Cole Kmet. His ability to win consistently underneath from the slot could make him Caleb Williams’ best friend.