Chicago Bears Prepare for Historic 25th NFL Draft Pick Amid Mixed Success at Slot

The Chicago Bears are set to make their first-ever selection at the 25th spot in the NFL Draft on Thursday night, a position historically marked by unpredictable outcomes for pro football prospects.

Since the NFL-AFL merger, no player chosen at No. 25 has been inducted into the Hall of Fame, with only 11 of those picks ever reaching the Pro Bowl. Among them, just five saw multiple appearances: Stanley Morgan (1977), Ted Washington (1991), Jon Beason (2007), Xavier Rhodes (2013), and Tyler Linderbaum (2022).

Some 25th picks have found notable success despite the odds. Linderbaum recently became the highest-paid center in league history when he signed a three-year, $81 million contract with the Raiders in March. Dont’a Hightower, picked in 2012, won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, while Santonio Holmes, the 2006 pick, earned Super Bowl MVP honors with the Steelers before concluding his career with the Bears.

Yet, several other highly touted college players have struggled after being taken at this spot. Safety Jabril Peppers and quarterback Tim Tebow were both standout college athletes who failed to make a significant impact in the pros. More recently, Jaxson Dart, drafted last year by the Giants after a trade-up, started 12 games and finished fourth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Some current NFL talent was also chosen 25th. Running back Travis Etienne (2022) has since rushed for 3,798 yards, ranking tenth in the league for that period. Receiver Brandon Aiyuk, selected in 2020, finished seventh in NFL receiving yards in his third season. Hollywood Brown, picked in 2019, recorded 1,008 receiving yards in his third year and has since played for multiple teams.

The Bears enter Thursday’s draft looking to strengthen their roster in critical areas, with special attention on the lines of scrimmage. As the franchise makes its first selection at this slot, team officials and fans alike are aware of the checkered past of pick No. 25. The outcome will add a new chapter to both the team's history and the unpredictable legacy of this draft position.

With the draft set to take place Thursday night, the Bears’ choice at No. 25 will be closely watched as they seek to defy the track record and find a long-term contributor. The franchise’s plans for roster improvement remain ongoing as the offseason continues.