Insider pumps brakes on Chicago Bears playoff hype despite Ashton Jeanty connection

When it comes to the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, arguably no player has been connected to the Chicago Bears more than running back Ashton Jeanty. Fans and analysts are already salivating at the idea of Jeanty being a featured piece of Ben Johnson’s new offense.

The Bears have a clear need for a running back as well. While D’Andre Swift remains on the roster, Chicago finished the 2024 campaign ranked 25th in rushing, averaging 102 yards per game. With a bulked up offensive line in place, adding a player like Jeanty would ensure the Bears to a giant leap forward offensively in 2025.

However, that still may not be enough to make the playoffs. For all the offseason hype they’ve received, the Bears are still coming off of a 5-12 campaign. ESPN’s Dan Graziano is selling the idea that Chicago selecting Jeanty suddenly makes them playoff contenders.

“You had three playoff teams in the [NFC North] last year and obviously the Bears were not one of them. Fighting uphill. I think they’ll be a better team because of the moves they’ve made this offseason. I still think it’s a really tough fight to get through the division and into the playoffs from where they are.”

Chicago Bears need more than just Ashton Jeanty

When it comes to NFL Draft running back prospects, there hasn’t been one as heralded as Jeanty in recent memory. The Heisman runner-up is expected to immediate become the rushing leader of any team that selects him; especially if he’s a top 10 pick. And while he certainly would be a Rookie of the Year candidate in Chicago, the Bears are looking at the big picture.

The offensive line has improved greatly with the additions of guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney alongside center Drew Dalman. However, the Bears allowed a league-high 68 sacks in 2024. Furthermore, they may need a long-term answer at left tackle with Braxton Jones’ status in question. If an elite lineman is available at No. 10, that may be too good to pass up.

Defensively, the Bears finished their 2024 campaign ranked 27th, allowing 354.3 yards per game. They’ve added defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Furthermore, pieces like pass rusher Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson remain. However, Chicago knows they need a bit more thump to truly take on the NFC North. There may not be as powerful edge rushers later in the draft.

The Bears understand just how talented Jeanty is. They also know he won’t last beyond the No. 10. If the running back is available, the team must decide if they feel comfortable using the pick at the position. And if they do, the next step for Jeanty and Chicago is proving the doubters wrong and throwing a wrench in all conventional draft wisdom.

Spotlight back on Caleb Williams

Graziano’s colleague Dan Orlovsky also didn’t buy the idea that the Bears are playoff contenders with Jeanty, however, he took it a step further. For starters, he said he preferred tight end Tyler Warren over Jeanty. But overall, Orlovsky thinks the Bears go as far as quarterback Caleb Williams does, Jeanty, Warren or not.

“The Bears are going to become a playoff team if Caleb Williams goes and becomes something he hasn’t become. He becomes an in the pocket, operational quarterback that plays on time and rhythm. Is he capable of doing it? Yes. Will he do it consistently? That’s to be determined. If he does, I think the Bears become a playoff football team.”

Adding a player like Jeanty or Warren to the offense makes it strong in their own right. But either addition will be made with Williams in mind. Jeanty makes the Bears more versatile, opposing defenses cannot focus on solely Williams as they know Jeanty can break off a big play on any team. Warren gives Williams an athletic, big-bodied weapon in the middle of the field. With DJ Moore and Rome Odunze on the outside, teams will have a difficult time guarding all three. Especially if fellow tight end Cole Kmet gets into the mix on 12 personnel sets.

The offensive line is now bolstered. There’s a coach with a real offensive gameplan in place. It’s now up to Williams. There’s a reason he went No. 1 overall in 2024. By the end of the 2025 season, the Bears are hopeful they don’t have to answer any more questions why.