The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears will be welcoming a new crop of rookies to the roster. After shoring up the trenches in free agency, Chicago will have flexibility with their selections as they look to add the best available players.
Cornerback is arguably the strength of this defense, so it's not a major position of need. But the Bears could certainly look to add another playmaker to the mix in a room led by Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson.
Luckily, this draft class has players available who can make an immediate impact. If Chicago is specifically looking at the cornerback position, all three days could be fruitful for them. Ryan Poles, to his credit, has been good at selecting defensive backs during his tenure as Bears general manager.
Here are some top cornerback options for Chicago to consider in the first two rounds of the NFL draft:
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
The Bears likely won't be in a position to draft Travis Hunter, who's expected to be a top-three or top-five, at worst, selection. So they would have to trade up. Chicago has the draft capital to do it, but that would mean they have to truly love Hunter. Hunter is one of the best cornerbacks in the draft, but that isn't his whole appeal. He's also a wide receiver who plans on playing both positions in the NFL. You can't compare him to Shohei Ohtani, but he is ready to play on both sides of the ball. If the Bears were to land Hunter, they would be getting a great cornerback who could also be the third receiver under DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Finding a guy that makes your team better in more ways than one is never a bad thing. In 2024, Hunter totaled 36 tackles, four interceptions, 11 pass breakups and forced one fumble. He added 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns. The production he put up is off the charts.
2. Will Johnson, Michigan
The Bears probably aren't trading up to select Will Johnson, but he could very well fall to them at No. 10. If he's available, and he's the best remaining player available, it wouldn't be a bad pick at all. In 2024, Johnson totaled 14 tackles, three pass deflections and two interceptions in six game of what was an injury-shortened season. Johnson played a huge role in the Michigan Wolverines' National Championship run in 2023, and he'd be a great option on the outside opposite Jaylon Johnson. If health isn't an issue going forward, he is worth a shot.
3. Jahdae Barron, Texas
If the Bears' top options are gone come the No. 10 pick, that could make Ryan Poles consider trading back in the first round to gain additional assets. A player they could select in the latter stages of the first round is Jahdae Barron. There could also be a world where Chicago trades back into the first round if they decided that going after a cornerback like Barron was a necessity for them. After a strong year on a winning team that made the first ever 12-team College Football Playoff, he is ready to make an impact in the NFL. In 16 games, Barron totaled 67 tackles, five interceptions, 11 pass breakups and one fumble recovery. His production is ...
