NFL executives praise Chicago Bears for ‘upgraded’ roster after draft
The Chicago Bears may very well be en route to another top tier offseason — at least according to the people who know best.
[READ: How Jim Harbaugh made impression on Colston Loveland, small Idaho town]
The Athletic interviewed NFL executives for their thoughts on how well each team drafted in 2025, and the Bears did not disappoint.
Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson’s front office selected former University of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall, a pick one executive was high on.
[MORE: NFL draft grades 2025: How Mel Kiper Jr. rated Bears’ eight-pick haul]
“I like what they have done, and I’ve been skeptical of the Bears in the past,” the exec said. “(Loveland) is a really good player.”
Another compared Loveland to Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta — and even suggested Loveland would become the better player.
[MORE: NFL power rankings: Where Bears stand in NFC North after draft]
“Loveland is going to catch a million balls,” the exec said. “He will be better than LaPorta. He is such a good receiver, and he’s bigger — two inches taller and another 10 pounds … They are set up pretty well.”
The Athletic’s Mike Sando added that Johnson’s “fingerprints were all over Poles’ fourth draft,” in that three of the team’s four early-round picks were players on the offensive side of the ball.
Wide receiver Luther Burden III and tackle Ozzy Trapilo heard their names called in the second round at Nos. 39 and 56 respectively, beefing up both weaponry and protection for quarterback Caleb Williams.
“The Bears drew high marks for this draft and their overall offseason,” Sando wrote.
[READ: What 2025 NFL Draft told us about Bears’ Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles partnership]
Overall, the buzz around the Poles and Johnson’s first draft together is palpable — and the league is taking notice.
[Former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel believes Bears won 2025 draft]
“I have to hand it to Poles,” an exec said. “They have upgraded in a lot of ways this offseason.”


