Why The Chicago Bears May Snag These 1st Round Prospects In The 2nd Round
One of the biggest reasons the Chicago Bears had such a successful 2025 NFL draft was due to some good fortune. After taking Colston Loveland in the 1st round, they held the 39th pick in the 2nd round. To the surprise of many, Luther Burden was still on the board. Many had felt the Missouri wide receiver was a lock for the 1st round given his mix of size, strength, and speed. However, his statistical regression in 2024 cooled his stock, and it wasn’t helped by stories of him being unmotivated in practice.
Clearly, those concerns were overblown as Burden became one of the Bears’ best weapons down the stretch of last season. That begs the question. With them holding two 2nd round picks this year, is there any chance one of the prospects projected to go in the 1st round might fall to them again? In these situations, it is best to rely on what I call the Bermuda Triangle of draft sliding.
- Age
- Health
- Character
If there are significant concerns about a player on any of those three fronts, it is almost certain they will go lower than predicted. Sometimes much lower. Here are some names the Bears could be eyeing.
The Chicago Bears have four names worth watching.
Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami)
Mesidor was a menace for the Hurricanes last season, exploding for 12.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for a loss. He has that exciting mix of power and closing speed, making it difficult to block him regardless of the scheme. Under normal circumstances, he would probably be a lock to go in the top 15. Unfortunately, there is one major shadow cast over him. He turns 25 this year, making him a considerably older player. In recent NFL draft history, exceptions are not made for prospects over 23 in the 1st round unless they are quarterbacks.
| Draft Year | Estimated Avg Age | Oldest 1st Round Pick |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 22.3 | Josh Doctson (23.4) |
| 2017 | 22.1 | Haason Reddick (22.6) |
| 2018 | 21.7 | Hayden Hurst (24.7) |
| 2019 | 21.9 | Kaleb McGary (24.2) |
| 2020 | 22.0 | Joe Burrow (23.4) |
| 2021 | 22.1 | Najee Harris (23.1) |
| 2022 | 23.1 | Kenny Pickett (23.9) |
| 2023 | 22.8 | Dalton Kincaid (23.5) |
| 2024 | 23.2 | Bo Nix (24.2) |
| 2025 | 22.4 | Tyler Shough (25.6) |
Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)
There is so much to like about Tyson’s game. He is probably one of the two or three most polished receivers in this class, a sharp route-runner with a keen understanding of how to create separation in tight spaces. His competitiveness shows up every time a tough catch is needed, and he seems to play his best in big games. The problem is he’s been hounded by injuries throughout college. It was a knee problem in 2022, a collarbone in 2024, and both hamstrings in 2025. Teams don’t spend 1st round picks on guys who struggle staying on the field. Still, he has the skill set and wiring that the Chicago Bears would love.
Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)
There is a lot to like about Proctor. There were stretches of dominance at Alabama, using his massive size and length to overwhelming advantage against SEC edge defenders. He also has enough foot speed to stay outside in the NFL, which is why many are excited about him. However, recent history shows that drafting gigantic tackles over 340 lbs is a dangerous endeavor. JC Latham, Mekhi Becton, Evan Neal, and Isaiah Wilson were all disappointments. That alone has likely made the league wary of gambling on such types. Then you have the whispers of Proctor having conditioning and focus issues. Combine all of these factors and a plunge to Day 2 is hardly implausible.
Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)
Cornerback is a key position in Dennis Allen’s defense. After letting Nahshon Wright walk, it’s not crazy to think the Chicago Bears may look to hit it early. We know they prefer long, athletic, fast players with a nose for turnovers. McCoy is the spitting image of that prototype, showing incredible potential in 2024. Sadly, he tore his ACL last season, delivering a brutal hit to his draft stock. He hasn’t been able to do any testing as a result, making him somewhat of a gamble. That increases the odds he could slip to the Bears at #57 or #60. In such a case, he would be such a perfect fit for their system, provided they’re willing to take the risk.