Chicago overhauled the whole interior of the offensive line, trading for guards Joe Thuney (Kansas City Chiefs) and Jonah Jackson (Los Angeles Rams), both of whom are on large contracts, and signing center Drew Dalman for up to $42 million over the next three years.
After adding Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett to the defensive line in free agency, ESPN’s Field Yates expects the Bears will look for a playmaker with the No. 10 choice in next month’s NFL draft, specifically standout Penn State tight end Tyler Warren.
“Is tight end a top priority for Chicago? No. Isn’t it simple to picture incoming coach Ben Johnson implementing some fantastic Warren-centric concepts and play designs? “Oh, yeah,” Yates wrote on March 10. “The offensive line would have been the obvious priority for the Bears, but they completely overhauled their interior by trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and then signing center Drew Dalman.” The trenches already appear lot better on paper. So, let’s get Warren, who is fantastic after the catch and might significantly benefit QB Caleb Williams, into the top ten.”
The Bears can create a dynamic TE duo by drafting Tyler Warren and pairing him with Cole Kmet.
Warren is 22 years old, measures 6 feet, 6 inches tall, and weighs 257 pounds.
Last season, the redshirt senior had a breakout year for the Nittany Lions, catching 104 passes for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. Meanwhile, Penn State advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals after barely losing to Notre Dame.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN presently ranks Warren as not only the finest tight end in the 2025 draft class, but also the No. 7 overall prospect across all positions.
“Warren is super versatile,” Kiper commented on March 5. “He can play as a classic in-line tight end, at H-back, fullback, out of the slot, or lined up out wide. He’s a reliable pass catcher who can burst free once the ball is in his possession. Warren had 700 yards after the catch this season.
Chicago signed tight end Cole Kmet to a four-year deal worth $50 million that will keep him under contract until 2027. However, investing in Warren and pairing him with Kmet might provide Williams with the best TE combination in the NFL, as well as Johnson with a plethora of pass-catching options.
Rome Odunze Predicted to Play Way Into Pro Bowl Next Season.
Chicago also has a potentially outstanding wide receiver tandem in DJ Moore and second-year player Rome Odunze.
Odunze had a rocky start last season, but finished with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns. According to Alex Kay of Bleacher Report, Odunze will progress from rookie output to Pro Bowl status in his second season.
“Expect both [Odunze and Williams] to have breakout sophomore seasons, with Odunze particularly primed to make a massive Year 2 leap,” Kay said on Wednesday, March 13. “Odunze will profit not only from improvements in Williams’ protection, but Keenan Allen is out of the picture. With less competition for targets and more time for his quarterback to throw, Odunze will make a Pro Bowl leap in 2025.
Leave a Reply