The Chicago Bears focused heavily on upgrading their skill positions last offseason, but this spring has been quite different — at least so far.
Chicago revamped its entire interior offensive line, acquiring guards Joe Thuney (Kansas City Chiefs) and Jonah Jackson (Los Angeles Rams), both of whom have hefty contracts, and signed center Drew Dalman to a three-year deal worth up to $42 million.
After bolstering their defensive line with key free-agent additions in Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett, ESPN’s Field Yates predicts the Bears will use the No. 10 pick in next month’s NFL draft to select a playmaker — specifically, star Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
“Is tight end a major need for Chicago? Not exactly. But could new coach Ben Johnson create amazing plays centered around Warren? Absolutely,” Yates wrote on March 10.
“The Bears’ offensive line would have been the top priority, but they already addressed it by trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signing center Drew Dalman. The line looks much stronger on paper. So, let’s bring in Warren, who excels after the catch and could be a huge asset for quarterback Caleb Williams, into the top 10.”
Bears Can Create Dynamic TE Duo by Drafting Tyler Warren, Pairing Him With Cole Kmet
Warren, 22 years old, stands 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 257 pounds.
The redshirt senior had an impressive season for Penn State, recording 104 catches for 1,233 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. During the season, the Nittany Lions made it to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where they narrowly lost to Notre Dame.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN currently ranks Warren as the top tight end in the 2025 draft class and the No. 7 overall prospect, regardless of position.
“Warren is extremely versatile,” Kiper wrote on March 5. “He can be utilized as a traditional in-line tight end, H-back, fullback, in the slot, or out wide. He’s a reliable pass catcher, and once he has the ball, he can break free. Warren had 700 yards after the catch this past season.”
Chicago recently signed tight end Cole Kmet to a four-year, $50 million contract, keeping him under contract through 2027. However, adding Warren and pairing him with Kmet could give quarterback Caleb Williams one of the best tight end duos in the NFL, while providing coach Ben Johnson with a variety of options in the passing game.
Rome Odunze Predicted to Play Way Into Pro Bowl Next Season
Chicago also boasts a potentially dynamic wide receiver duo in DJ Moore and second-year player Rome Odunze.
Odunze had a bit of a slow start last season but ended the year with 54 receptions for 734 yards and 3 touchdowns. Alex Kay of Bleacher Report predicts that Odunze will make a significant leap in his second season, transforming from a solid rookie contributor to a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
“Expect both Odunze and Williams to have breakout sophomore seasons, with Odunze especially poised for a massive Year 2 jump,” Kay wrote on March 13. “Odunze will benefit not only from improvements in Williams’ protection but also from Keenan Allen no longer being in the picture. With fewer target competitors and more time for his quarterback to throw, Odunze is set to make a Pro Bowl leap in 2025.”
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