Following the 2025 NFL draft, we’re projecting what the Bears starting defense will look like.

NFL draft has concluded, and the Chicago Bears have added eight new rookies to their roster. But this is also a time when NFL teams will be looking to free agency again to address roster needs, as signings no longer count toward compensatory picks.

Reacting so quickly following the NFL Draft can be tricky. Instead, Aaron Leming took some time to gather his thoughts on the Bears’ draft approach, and general manager Ryan Poles’ latest interview with ESPN 1000.

Ewers was the No. 1-ranked QB in the 2021 recruiting class. Caleb Williams was No. 2. Drake Maye was No. 4. J.J. McCarthy was No. 6. Jaxson Dart was No. 13. LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, who some NFL personnel people I’ve talked to consider a potential first-rounder in 2026, was No. 19. Sanders was No. 37. Riley Leonard was No. 58.

It's not every day that a fifth-round draft pick generates plenty of hype for a rookie card, but Shedeur Sanders is far from a typical fifth-round draft pick. The Cleveland Browns' newest quarterback revealed his first Panini Instant rookie card for his NFL career on Thursday: Notably,

Former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders was selected with the No. 144 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. The Browns have the worst betting odds out of any team to make the playoffs.