Official NFL Draft Thread - Bear Fans Only - and No Montucky!

[playthrough2001]

2025 NFL Draft Risers

“Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Scouts Inc. ranking: 8

How far he climbed boards: There were league scouts and evaluators who had Membou as a late Day 2 or early Day 3 possibility before the start of the 2024 season. But his play this season and his workouts during the predraft circuit have shot him up draft boards. He's now entrenched as a first-round pick, might get picked in the top 10 and could even be the first lineman off the board.

Turning point: At 6-foot-4, 332 pounds, Membou is a powerful presence who jolts defenders at the line of scrimmage with his first punch. There wasn't a specific performance that led to his rise like others on this list. Instead, evaluators got to see him dominate every Saturday against SEC pass rushers, who are among the best prospects at their position in the 2025 and 2026 classes. He allowed one sack over 12 games in 2024.

Why he rose: Because Membou doesn't have prototypical tackle height, some evaluators hastily slated him to move inside to guard. But his tape and predraft testing showed upside at tackle, which immediately enhanced his first-round value. Membou's 82-inch wingspan at the combine is on par with some of the tallest tackles in this class.

What they're saying: "At tackle, you have to be a little more athletic to handle that speed off the edge. I think most teams think I'm athletically capable enough to play tackle ... it just depends on what their needs are." -- Membou on where NFL teams see him playing


Grey Zabel, C/G, North Dakota State

Scouts Inc. ranking: 41

How far he climbed boards: Like Membou, Zabel opened the season well below his current ranking. Many in the league saw the versatile lineman as a quality option early on Day 3. Now, he's most likely to hear his name early on Day 2 or even late in Round 1.

Turning point: A first-team FCS All-America selection at left tackle this past season, Zabel has put plenty on tape through two national championship wins with the Bison. But he rose up draft boards after dominating essentially every drill during Senior Bowl practices. He sent everybody home from Mobile, Alabama, wanting to dive further into his evaluation.

Why he rose: He started games at left tackle, right tackle, left guard and right guard in college; he has also shown scouts he could play center during the predraft process. Zabel's power in the run game was unquestioned, but he also progressively showed improvement in handling power in pass protection last season.

What they're saying: "The biggest thing is understanding the different responsibilities depending on which hand you have down, which stance you're in, and even if you have to snap the football. You never know where a team might need you in any given week, so just being the best football player you can be is the most important thing. ... I think my ability to play multiple spots is something that teams value." -- Zabel on where he could play in the NFL“

Continued at link below…

The NFL draft's biggest risers: Seven players who have boosted their stock since last summer

Kyle Williams and Darien Porter are among the 2025 prospects who have improved their draft status this year.

www.espn.com

 

[playthrough2001]

Some around the league draft news and opinions…

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1911041817123946711

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1910796283704488198

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1910407438391795940

 

[playthrough2001]

Here’s a pretty interesting mock draft for the Bears from Pro Football Network…

“10) Chicago Bears

Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Chicago Bears aggressively addressed their offensive line early in the offseason. That said, they face a difficult choice ahead of them in whether or not to extend left tackle Braxton Jones. In this NFL Mock Draft, they instead trade him (spoiler alert) and opt for a cheaper, higher-upside option.

Armand Membou has always stood out physically with his length, agility, and power. In 2024, his technique caught up to his athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect. He’s a high-upside lineman, but don’t mistake him for just another NFL Scouting Combine riser; he’s a lot more refined than many people give him credit for.

39) Chicago Bears

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Though Grady Jarrett is a strong addition to the Bears’ defensive line rotation, he turns 32 in late April and figures to be more of a short-term addition to the interior.

Kenneth Grant is a powerful defensive tackle who can eat up double teams and control the line of scrimmage. His combination of size, athleticism, and leverage makes him a disruptive force as a 1-technique defender.

41) Chicago Bears

Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Though the Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to pair with Montez Sweat, their depth off the edge is still suspect heading into the draft.

Nic Scourton is a powerful edge rusher with a muscular, heavy build that carries his listed 285 pounds very well. He has some of the most refined hand usage you’ll see in an edge rusher in this draft class, and his short-area quickness is better than you’d expect for a man of his size.

72) Chicago Bears

Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

After going heavy in the trenches in the first two rounds, the Bears add a powerful running back with tremendous field vision in between the tackles in Kaleb Johnson, who can pair with the shiftier D’Andre Swift.

82) Chicago Bears

Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

Trade: Bears receive No. 82 overall pick
Seahawks receive OT Braxton Jones

After trading Jones for another third-round pick, the Bears invest in a potential starting safety for 2026 and beyond, with no safeties currently under contract beyond this season. Between his stints at Clemson and Texas, Andrew Mukuba showed that he’s a rangy safety with the instincts and athleticism in coverage to start at the NFL level.”

Continues at the link below…

7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Steelers Make a Bold Trade Up, Giants Make 2 Picks in Round 1 | PFSN

We predict all 257 selections and make picks for all 32 teams for the upcoming draft in our latest 2025 7-Round NFL Mock Draft.

www.profootballnetwork.com

 

[bamainatlanta]

Here’s a pretty interesting mock draft for the Bears from Pro Football Network…

“10) Chicago Bears

Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Chicago Bears aggressively addressed their offensive line early in the offseason. That said, they face a difficult choice ahead of them in whether or not to extend left tackle Braxton Jones. In this NFL Mock Draft, they instead trade him (spoiler alert) and opt for a cheaper, higher-upside option.

Armand Membou has always stood out physically with his length, agility, and power. In 2024, his technique caught up to his athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect. He’s a high-upside lineman, but don’t mistake him for just another NFL Scouting Combine riser; he’s a lot more refined than many people give him credit for.

39) Chicago Bears

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Though Grady Jarrett is a strong addition to the Bears’ defensive line rotation, he turns 32 in late April and figures to be more of a short-term addition to the interior.

Kenneth Grant is a powerful defensive tackle who can eat up double teams and control the line of scrimmage. His combination of size, athleticism, and leverage makes him a disruptive force as a 1-technique defender.

41) Chicago Bears

Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Though the Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to pair with Montez Sweat, their depth off the edge is still suspect heading into the draft.

Nic Scourton is a powerful edge rusher with a muscular, heavy build that carries his listed 285 pounds very well. He has some of the most refined hand usage you’ll see in an edge rusher in this draft class, and his short-area quickness is better than you’d expect for a man of his size.

72) Chicago Bears

Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

After going heavy in the trenches in the first two rounds, the Bears add a powerful running back with tremendous field vision in between the tackles in Kaleb Johnson, who can pair with the shiftier D’Andre Swift.

82) Chicago Bears

Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

Trade: Bears receive No. 82 overall pick
Seahawks receive OT Braxton Jones

After trading Jones for another third-round pick, the Bears invest in a potential starting safety for 2026 and beyond, with no safeties currently under contract beyond this season. Between his stints at Clemson and Texas, Andrew Mukuba showed that he’s a rangy safety with the instincts and athleticism in coverage to start at the NFL level.”

Continues at the link below…

7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Steelers Make a Bold Trade Up, Giants Make 2 Picks in Round 1 | PFSN

We predict all 257 selections and make picks for all 32 teams for the upcoming draft in our latest 2025 7-Round NFL Mock Draft.

www.profootballnetwork.com

That’s a damn good draft; still would rather see more speed and less miles at the RB position

 

[EDPeezy]

I’d take that all day.

Drafting Membou makes Jones expendable. I’m still weirdly hesitant to trade him though. Even though a third is good compensation.

I’ve also penciled Mukuba onto the roster next year. Seems like everyone is projecting him to the Bears in the 3rd.

 

[playthrough2001]

That’s a damn good draft; still would rather see more speed and less miles at the RB position

Oddly enough, they have the Bears doubling down at RB with pick 148. He’s pretty fast.

148) Chicago Bears
Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas

 

[ZOMBIE@CTESPN]

It’s in Green Bay so I guess around 1958.

Is that when Halas saved their franchise from folding?

 

[Discus fish salesman]

That’s a damn good draft; still would rather see more speed and less miles at the RB position

I dont think any of those 5 guys will be available at those picks though

 

[Leon Sandcastle]

I dont think any of those 5 guys will be available at those picks though

Not a chance in hell. That’s why it looks so awesome

 

[bears51/40]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1895120292491808857

That says it all.

 

[DefNextYear]

Thanks for posting but i feel like all any of the three just did was put on video what everyone is already saying about him everywhere else. He needs to develop his pass rush skills and learn how to finish. I think those are things that depends on if that player will put the work in to develop those things that would say if he can or can't become good/great at what he does and that is something nobody knows until we see it. Will he put that work in after getting paid.

One thing I didn’t see before was the data vs Campbell and Membou. I think it’s quite telling. Maybe it’s a positive for them, or damning for him… Maybe neither

 

[bears51/40]

I dont think any of those 5 guys will be available at those picks though

I agree..............Grant will be taken in the 1st round and I don't think Johnson hits the 3rd round.

 

[bears51/40]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1910685930698035710

If Campbell gets to 10, Bears run to the podium to take him.

 

[HearshotKDS]

Here’s a pretty interesting mock draft for the Bears from Pro Football Network…

“10) Chicago Bears

Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Chicago Bears aggressively addressed their offensive line early in the offseason. That said, they face a difficult choice ahead of them in whether or not to extend left tackle Braxton Jones. In this NFL Mock Draft, they instead trade him (spoiler alert) and opt for a cheaper, higher-upside option.

Armand Membou has always stood out physically with his length, agility, and power. In 2024, his technique caught up to his athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect. He’s a high-upside lineman, but don’t mistake him for just another NFL Scouting Combine riser; he’s a lot more refined than many people give him credit for.

39) Chicago Bears

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Though Grady Jarrett is a strong addition to the Bears’ defensive line rotation, he turns 32 in late April and figures to be more of a short-term addition to the interior.

Kenneth Grant is a powerful defensive tackle who can eat up double teams and control the line of scrimmage. His combination of size, athleticism, and leverage makes him a disruptive force as a 1-technique defender.

41) Chicago Bears

Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Though the Bears signed Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency to pair with Montez Sweat, their depth off the edge is still suspect heading into the draft.

Nic Scourton is a powerful edge rusher with a muscular, heavy build that carries his listed 285 pounds very well. He has some of the most refined hand usage you’ll see in an edge rusher in this draft class, and his short-area quickness is better than you’d expect for a man of his size.

72) Chicago Bears

Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa

After going heavy in the trenches in the first two rounds, the Bears add a powerful running back with tremendous field vision in between the tackles in Kaleb Johnson, who can pair with the shiftier D’Andre Swift.

82) Chicago Bears

Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas

Trade: Bears receive No. 82 overall pick
Seahawks receive OT Braxton Jones

After trading Jones for another third-round pick, the Bears invest in a potential starting safety for 2026 and beyond, with no safeties currently under contract beyond this season. Between his stints at Clemson and Texas, Andrew Mukuba showed that he’s a rangy safety with the instincts and athleticism in coverage to start at the NFL level.”

Continues at the link below…

7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft With Trades: Steelers Make a Bold Trade Up, Giants Make 2 Picks in Round 1 | PFSN

We predict all 257 selections and make picks for all 32 teams for the upcoming draft in our latest 2025 7-Round NFL Mock Draft.

www.profootballnetwork.com

That’s an amazing draft although I hate Scourton. I also think he might be the only one of those picks actually there at those spots come draft day.

 

[Leon Sandcastle]

If Campbell gets to 10, Bears run to the podium to take him.

Can it just be a slow jog so I have more time to convince myself he will be worth it? I’m 50/50 on him

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

Lol, you actually believe Pickett doing a successful goal line sneak and looking exhaused afterwards is the same as Hurts doing it at will multiple times a game.

What does “looking exhausted afterwards” mean, and how could you ever possibly judge that?

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

He has terrible production even outside of sacks. Only 5.5 TFL and 32 Tkls. Nothing about him says top 10 player outside of the combine.

I love the combine but you dont ignore the actual games just because he can run and jump well. Plus he didn't even do the benchpress.

It's horrible to gamble the #10 pick away on someone so unproven and risky.

Just to be clear, based on what you’ve said in this thread, if Stewart is a consistent 10+ sack producer it’s still a bad pick?

 

[DefNextYear]

If Campbell gets to 10, Bears run to the podium to take him.

I think so, depending on the guys available. I think he’s “safe” cause he’ll find a starting spot somewhere, though you’d hope for the LT at pick 10. He won’t be there though. There are teams that really shouldn’t pass on linemen. To me, the Patriots, Raiders, Jaguars, and Jets all need to strongly consider him.

I understand the wingspan and arm length concerns and I’m not saying he’s going to definitely overcome it. All I’m saying is someone will take him and find out for themselves.

 

[DefNextYear]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1911464551993794570

 

[bamainatlanta]

Just to be clear, based on what you’ve said in this thread, if Stewart is a consistent 10+ sack producer it’s still a bad pick?

Yes. That’s exactly what he’s saying.