After an active free agency period, the Chicago Bears find themselves in an interesting spot with the 10th overall pick. If there’s a world where the Bears don’t have an obvious choice in the first round, trading back could be a logical move. The hard part is figuring out who would be the best selection. Should the Bears decide to move down in the first round, here are some intriguing prospects they could target.
Exploring the Bears’ First Round Trade-Back Options
Running Back: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Many Bears fans are lobbying for Ashton Jeanty, but if he’s off the board before pick 10, does it still make sense to take a running back in the first round? Trading back for Omarion Hampton could be the next-best alternative.
Hampton finished last season with 38 receptions—more than Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson, Kaleb Johnson, and Quinshon Judkins, to name a few. He has already shown he can handle a three-down workload, with his rare blend of speed, power, and elusiveness which makes him a nightmare for defenders. Adding him to the offense could help transform the Bears into one of the most electrifying units in the NFL.
Omarion Hampton is an absolute workhorse.
➖ 6’0/220lbs | 21 Years Old
➖ 1222 Yards After Contact (#2 in FBS)
➖ 73 Missed Tackles Forced
➖ Good Pass-Catcher, Vision, Instincts
He’s going to be a damn good football player. Some Josh Jacobs/Nick Chubb to his game… pic.twitter.com/kdt54DBWwH
— SCOUTD (@scoutdnfl) February 21, 2025
Defensive Tackle: Kenneth Grant, Michigan
Having a defensive tackle unit of Andrew Billings, Grady Jarrett, and Gervon Dexter Sr. is fun, but imagine what it could be with Kenneth Grant in the mix.
A monster at 6’4″ and 331 pounds, Grant is extremely effective at plugging gaps and using his strength to dominate on the field. Despite his size, he has impressive lateral quickness and athleticism, allowing him to make plays that most defensive tackles can’t. Looking ahead, when Billings and Jarrett are no longer in the picture, a Grant-Dexter pairing could give Chicago a formidable defensive tackle duo for years to come.
Throwback to when 340 lb. Kenneth Grant ran down Penn State RB Kaytron Allen.
Reminder that Allen runs a 4.48 40-yard dash pic.twitter.com/JxcTEN4EUT
— Blue By 90 (@bluebyninety) November 13, 2024
Offensive Tackle: Josh Simmons, Ohio State
If the Bears want the best pure left tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s Josh Simmons. Before suffering a season-ending torn patellar tendon early last season, he was on track to be a surefire top-10 pick. While some Bears fans have concerns about his injury history, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Simmons is ahead of schedule in his recovery and had a smooth medical evaluation at the combine. If Chicago doesn’t see Braxton Jones as a long-term piece, drafting Simmons could be a smart investment.
#OhioState OT Josh Simmons. 6’5, 311.
Excellent fluidity. Natural athlete. Great punch timing + hand placement. Plus in the 2nd level/screen game. ++ Stunt recognition.
Top-25 player imo. pic.twitter.com/TQXe8NHchD
— Kyron Samuels (@kyronsamuels) February 5, 2025
Defensive End: James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Rewind time to a year ago and James Pearce Jr. was the No. 1 overall pick in the majority of mock drafts. Now there are murmurs of character concerns that could have him sliding down draft boards. However, during his Pro Day, Pearce Jr. spoke about these rumors, stating “I’m a great guy. I’m a great teammate, a great player. I’m a people person. I’ve got a good heart.”
If the Bears are confident those concerns won’t be an issue, Pearce Jr. could be an easy choice. With a 0.2722 pass rush win rate against true pass sets, he ranks among the best in the draft class. Pearce Jr.’s explosiveness and power off the edge could make him Chicago’s next premier pass rusher.
James Pearce Jr. (6’5, 254lbs) stifling future 1st round guard Tyler Booker (6’5, 352lbs) and stuffing the run.
This is an ELITE, first round prospect on the edge. pic.twitter.com/Inw5E0NnmZ
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 6, 2025
Last Word on the Bears’ First Round Trade-Back Options
This is an excellent problem for the Bears to have if they trade down. All four of these players are highly talented and could give the team an added edge on game day. As for who the right pick is, that remains to be determined. There are plenty of other prospects not mentioned who could make just as much of an impact, but these four are certainly worth watching if the Bears decide to move down in the first round.