NFL mock draft 3.0: Who will the Chicago Bears select with their top 3 picks?

Cam Ward going No. 1 to the Tennessee Titans in the NFL draft Thursday night has to be the biggest chalk play on the board. But after that it’s anyone’s best guess when the next quarterback is selected.

It’s a down year for quarterbacks, and that’s bad news for teams in need such as the Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers. It also makes things more challenging for teams selecting in the top 10 that aren’t in the market for a quarterback.

Quarterbacks went with the top three picks last year and six of the top 12, pushing talent at other positions down the board. In 2023, three of the top four picks were quarterbacks. In 2021, QBs were selected 1-2-3 and five went in Round 1. Three of the first six selections in 2020 were quarterbacks.

There’s a possibility this draft goes like 2022, when Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback drafted in the first round. He went 20th to the Steelers and is now with the Browns, his third team.

Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart could go in Round 1 and Louisville’s Tyler Shough is intriguing. Maybe there’s a team that likes one of them enough to pounce and trade in front of the Saints at No. 9. But if the Saints pass on a quarterback, there might not be another one selected until the back end of the first round or even Day 2.

Here’s one way things might fall in mock draft 3.0 — this version going all the way to No. 41, the second of two second-round picks the Chicago Bears own as general manager Ryan Poles has a chance to improve the roster at multiple positions.

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Miami quarterback Cam Ward throws a pass during the Pop Tarts Bowl against Iowa State on Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

This selection has felt like a slam dunk for quite some time as the Titans launch a fresh era with a new quarterback. They have a host of needs and eight picks — but only two in the top 100 — so it’s imperative that new GM Mike Borgonzi hits.

2. Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter scores a touchdown against BYU in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28, 2024, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

In a perfect world, this would be a bountiful draft for quarterbacks. Things are rarely perfect in Cleveland when it comes to that position. Hunter is a dynamic wide receiver who can get some two-way playing time and be a major asset if the Browns ever do get the QB right.

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Abdul Carter of Penn State sacks USC quarterback Miller Moss on Oct. 12, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

The Giants did thorough work on the QB class, including a workout with Shedeur Sanders last week. It’s difficult to imagine Sanders going this early. Carter is the best pass rusher in the class, and it would be an upset if he isn’t chosen in the top three picks.

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell warms up before a game against Mississippi on Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

The Patriots signed veteran Morgan Moses to play right tackle and need to come out of the draft with a bookend to protect QB Drake Maye. Campbell’s strengths — intelligence, toughness, athleticism and durability — make him coach Mike Vrabel’s kind of guy, even if it’s fair to question his arm length.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Penn State linebacker Kobe King tries to stop Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty during the Fiesta Bowl. (Abby Drey/Lexington Herald-Leader)

Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham is far and away the most popular mock pick for new GM James Gladstone, but no one is sure what the Jaguars will do. They have a legitimate need at that position, and if they’re seeking a disruptive interior player, Mississippi’s Walter Nolen also wouldn’t be a stunner. Or they can get a dominant running back with high marks for character, knowing Jeanty would help QB Trevor Lawrence.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham celebrates after sacking Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer. (David Guralnick/The Detroit News)

When new coach Pete Carroll had things rolling in Seattle, the Seahawks had a top-flight defense. The Raiders can make a strong character addition to the defensive front with either Graham or Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker.

7. New York Jets: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Penn State tight end Tyler Warren catches a pass against Maryland on Nov. 30, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

The Jets need playmakers for QB Justin Fields but also have to solve protection problems, so the choice here seems pretty simple: take one of the top two tight ends in the class or add to the offensive line. Warren is a rugged performer who wore No. 44 at Penn State in a nod to Hall of Fame running back John Riggins, who began his career with the Jets.

8. Carolina Panthers: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia

Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker sacks TCU quarterback Max Duggan during the national championship game Jan. 9, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The Panthers hope a surge by QB Bryce Young in the second half of last season signals the offense is on track under coach Dave Canales. They have been busy on defense this offseason but have yet to adequately replace Brian Burns. Walker would fill that void nicely, or this also could be a landing spot for Walter Nolen.

9. New Orleans Saints: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou participates in a drill during the NFL scouting combine March 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

A shoulder injury to Derek Carr has clouded the quarterback situation in New Orleans. The feeling is teams don’t have superior grades on QBs after Cam Ward, and the Saints needed help on the offensive line even before the not-unexpected retirement of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk.

10. Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Florida State quarterback Brock Glenn fumbles as he is sacked by Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

If Cam Ward is the only quarterback selected in the first nine picks and the Bears can’t get one of the elite prospects in this draft, they’re expected to seek a trade down. If no suitable move is available, they can use the pick on Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, take the first true cornerback off the board, roll the dice on an imperfect left tackle prospect or add to the defensive line. Williams is a high-ceiling prospect who can bring juice to the pass rush.

11. San Francisco 49ers: Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi

Mississippi defensive tackle Walter Nolen follows a play against Florida on Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

It has been a busy offseason for GM John Lynch, and the 49ers have some clear needs, namely at cornerback and on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Nolen is the best interior pass rusher in the class, and if Lynch doesn’t scoop him up, his floor could be the Cowboys at No. 12.

12. Houston Texans (projected trade with Dallas Cowboys): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. runs a drill at the NFL scouting combine March 2, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

The Texans are reconstructing the offensive line that struggled to protect QB C.J. Stroud and need to replace Laremy Tunsil, who was traded. They could trade Nos. 25, 58 and 89 and get nearly identical draft-pick value to move up and select Banks as their new left tackle. The trade could benefit the Cowboys, who own 10 picks but only three in the first 148 selections. If Walter Nolen is on the board, the Cowboys could stay put and choose him.

13. Miami Dolphins: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Will Johnson of Michigan reacts after a missed field goal by Washington on Oct. 5, 2024, in Seattle. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Dolphins have pressing needs on the offensive line to protect QB Tua Tagovailoa and also need help on the back end of the defense, even if they don’t trade CB Jalen Ramsey. If they go with a cornerback, Johnson is a great fit and could step in right away as a clear upgrade.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland maneuvers against Arkansas State safety Justin Parks on Sept. 14, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (Al Goldis/AP)

Loveland would be a great fit in the middle of the offense, boosting the running game while also providing a solid target for Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones — whoever winds up playing quarterback. He has some juice at the top of the route and could be the Colts’ best tight end since Dallas Clark was in his prime.

15. Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee

Tennessee defensive lineman James Pearce Jr. tackles Iowa running back Kamari Moulton during the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)

Vic Beasley is the last Falcon to have more than 10 sacks in a season (15½ in 2016), and this feels like a spot where supply meets the team’s needs with either Pearce or Marshall’s Mike Green. Both have off-field character concerns. The advantage goes to Pearce because of size.

16. Arizona Cardinals: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Kenneth Grant of Michigan reacts to a sack against Northwestern on Nov. 23, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Cardinals worked to upgrade coach Jonathan Gannon’s defense in free agency, but they could really use a rugged interior player. Grant fits the bill if GM Monti Ossenfort isn’t looking for a wide receiver to pair with Marvin Harrison Jr.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

Marshall defensive lineman Mike Green celebrates after sacking Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones on Sept. 7, 2024, in Blacksburg, Va. (Peter Casey/Imagn Images)

As the Bengals try to resolve a contract issue with defensive end Trey Hendrickson, it makes sense to find a contingency plan. Even if they wind up making Hendrickson happy, Sam Hubbard retired, so the need is there. Green is a little undersized but led the FBS with 17 sacks last season.

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State

North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl on Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

GM John Schneider made it clear he knew a lot of work was needed on the offensive line. Zabel had a fantastic Senior Bowl and combine and can help at any of the three interior positions. His versatility, toughness and strength make him an ideal selection.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

South Carolina quarterback Robby Ashford tries to break a tackle by Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell on Oct. 12, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Bucs could justify adding talent at all three levels of the defense. Campbell had surgery on his left shoulder after the combine but is the best at the position. He started his career as an edge defender but plays with such good range that he was shifted to linebacker.

20. Denver Broncos: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan tries to get past Kansas State cornerback Keenan Garber on Sept. 13, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The Broncos could lean toward a running back here to support QB Bo Nix, or they could wait because the draft is so deep at that position. If the latter, McMillan profiles like the big receivers coach Sean Payton had success with in the past. Marques Colston and Michael Thomas both come to mind.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton runs past the Wake Forest defense Nov. 16, 2024, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

Hampton is a big, athletic back who profiles wonderfully as a Steeler, and they have a real need after Najee Harris exited. They have been busy investigating the quarterback market, and it’s worth wondering how they feel about Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon sacks Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (Keith Birmingham/Orange County Register)

The Chargers could use some offensive firepower in support of QB Justin Herbert, but they’re also pretty thin on the interior of the defensive line. Harmon had five sacks last season and has excellent length. He could emerge as a disruptive force.

23. Green Bay Packers: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron celebrates a play against Arizona State in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal Jan. 1, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The Packers might want to find a receiver for Jordan Love, but it’s not a great draft for that position. They also have needs in the secondary with Jaire Alexander’s status uncertain. Barron had five interceptions last season and is a willing tackler.

24. Minnesota Vikings: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Alabama guard Tyler Booker looks for a block against Auburn on Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

Even with safety Harrison Smith returning for another season, there’s a need in the middle of the secondary. More pressing, however, is the need to fortify the interior of the offensive line as the Vikings want to put second-year QB J.J. McCarthy in the best position to succeed. They’re viewed as being open to a trade down as they own only three other picks: one each in the third, fifth and sixth rounds.

25. Dallas Cowboys (projected trade with Houston Texans): Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden catches a pass against Ohio State during the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 10, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

The Cowboys are really shallow at wide receiver after CeeDee Lamb, and Golden cemented his spot in the first round by running the 40-yard dash in 4.29 seconds at the combine.

26. Los Angeles Rams: Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori reacts during the first half of the Citrus Bowl against Illinois on Dec. 31, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

GM Les Snead has done an amazing job piecing things together on defense with late-round picks. The Rams need help in the secondary and at linebacker. Emmanwori is a plug-and-play starter who can make a difference in the box.

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks breaks up a pass to Alabama wide receiver Malik Benson during the SEC championship game Dec. 2, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

The Ravens could go with an interior lineman here or opt for Starks, who has a ton of versatility and can play safety or cover the slot. He’s the kind of Swiss Army knife that appeals to the Ravens.

28. Detroit Lions: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku sacks Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader on Nov. 26, 2022, in Boston. (Mark Stockwell/AP) — Boston College’s Donovan Ezeiruaku sacks Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader on Nov. 26, 2022, in Boston. (Mark Stockwell/AP)

The Lions will be hunting for pass-rushing help on the other side of Aidan Hutchinson, and this is a good spot to consider Ezeiruaku or Shemar Stewart of Texas A&M.

29. Washington Commanders: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) and running back Quinshon Judkins celebrate a touchdown against Iowa on Oct. 5, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

The Commanders have greater needs at defensive end and in the secondary, but if GM Adam Peters is going for the best player available, Egbuka makes sense to add youth and talent on the outside in support of QB Jayden Daniels.

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Vanderbilt on Sept. 23, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (George Walker IV/AP)

The Bills could use a cornerback or safety to shore up the secondary, and Hairston was put to the test in the SEC. It will be interesting to see if East Carolina’s Shavon Revel gets a look late in Round 1. He was considered a higher pick before suffering a knee injury last fall.

31. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Ohio State offensive lineman Josh Simmons celebrates after the College Football Playoff national championship game Jan. 20, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

The Chiefs addressed their left tackle issue in free agency by signing Jaylon Moore, but they still have a liability at right tackle in Jawaan Taylor. Simmons was busy making predraft visits as teams evaluated his recovery from a knee injury last fall. If the Chiefs decide to roll with Taylor, this would be an intriguing spot for Simmons’ college teammate Emeka Egbuka, if available.

32. Philadelphia Eagles: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M

Texas A&M defensive lineman Shemar Stewart runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl on Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

The Eagles lost Super Bowl star Josh Sweat in free agency, so they can do what they do so well under GM Howie Roseman — reload. Stewart has the most tantalizing athleticism of any defensive end in the draft, but his college production didn’t match it. The Eagles have so much depth, they could bring him along slowly and play him in advantageous situations.

Round 2

33. Browns: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
34. Giants: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi
35. Titans: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
36. Jaguars: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
37. Raiders: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
38. Patriots: Jonah Savaiinaea, G, Arizona

39. Bears: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr. runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl on Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (Butch Dill/AP)

If Ryan Poles is adamant about adding competition at left tackle and the Bears don’t get one in the first round, they likely would have to strike in Round 2. Conerly doesn’t have great size but had a good week at the Senior Bowl. If he’s gone, which is possible, Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery likely would be the next-best option.

40. Saints: Tyler Shough, QB, Louisville

41. Bears: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU

LSU tight end Mason Taylor scores a touchdown against Alabama on Nov. 5, 2022, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)

The draft is loaded at running back but also is particularly good at tight end, and the idea of pairing Taylor — the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor — with Cole Kmet has to be appealing. If the Bears want to go with a running back, Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins could be a fit.

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