It’s getting ever-so-close to the 2025 NFL Draft. Like, just over a week away.

That’s soon, especially after we’ve talked about it for so long. It became a prominent conversation topic earlier than for most teams, considering how bad the Chicago Bears’ 2024 season went down the stretch.

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So much conversation centers around what the Bears will do with the No. 10 overall pick. We’ll know soon enough, but even after pondering the subject for so long, the decision is hard to predict.

The Bears could go in a number of different ways next week and all could make perfect sense. That’s why it’ll be so interesting to see what they do.

Y’all agree, considering every Bair Mail question centered on the first round. So, let’s get to it in this Wednesday mailbag:

Ross J Scanio from Wheaton, Ill.

Bears should not seek a trade for the 9th pick with the Saints as the Saints need a quarterback and Sanders might be there. There will be a couple good players still available at number 10. Like Tyler Warren, Will Campbell, and a running back.

Bair: If you’re a Bears fan, you want as many quarterbacks to go in the top 9 as humanly possible. That pushes other top talent toward Chicago’s draft slot at No. 10.

Cam Ward definitely will be gone. Shedeur Sanders could be a top pick as well. The Bears might jump for literal joy if Jaxon Dart goes high.

The Bears are looking for options at No. 10. And while they might covet prospects expected to go above them — Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, for example — trading up seems cost prohibitive and contrary to how the Bears are building their roster. Bold moves like that are for a team that might be a player away. That’s not the Bears. Taking swings at pick Nos. 10, 39 and 41 seems like the prudent thing to do.

General manager Ryan Poles has been aggressive making trades, and new coach Ben Johnson is somewhat of a wild card entering his first draft in such a prominent position. That adds some unknown into what they’ll do on draft day.

Larry S from Bakersfield, Calif.

I hope the bears draft Tyler Warren. Can you see him in that offense with those players? We will be unstoppable on offense and he’s young also like the other main bears on offense, who can play years together.

Bair: I think Tyler Warren would be an excellent addition to Johnson’s offense, Larry. I’m on record saying Warren would be my pick, if he’s available. After all the trades and free-agent signings, the Bears have set themselves up to take a player like this.

And, no, this doesn’t suggest Cole Kmet is being phased out. There’s room for both tight ends to eat in a scheme like this. It also would add a dynamic quality and a level of versatility to the depth chart that could make the Bears’ offense truly unique. And they wouldn’t be left in a bad spot in other position groups.

I wouldn’t gripe seeing an offensive tackle or a defensive lineman taken at No. 10, either, but the Bears have the freedom to make such a bold choice.

Nate B from Chicago

Why isn’t there more interest in getting a safety in the first round? Safety is a bigger short term and long-term need. Nick Emmawori is a Beast! Potential 1BHOF (first-ballot hall-of-famer).

Bair: You bring up a solid point, Nate, and not many people are talking about it. I don’t know if I’d go so far as to call safety a major need, but it’s a sneaky one.

Here’s the reason why. You’d feel comfortable starting the season with Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker as three-down players and Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks as experienced backups. The Bears seem fairly secure with that setup, even though there’s a drop-off between starters and reserves.

There’s a catch. All four safeties mentioned are entering a contract year. Thinking long-term, and while considering Brisker’s concussion history, safety might be a good investment.

Top 10 is pretty high for a safety, though. Even the versatile game changers such as Kyle Hamilton went in the teens. Brian Branch was a second-round pick.

To Nate’s point, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori is a physical freak who plays aggressive football and sets a tone on the back end. He might look better with a trade down, considering he’s ESPN’s No. 21 overall prospect in this draft.

There’s also the Brisker factor. He says he’s healthy again and that he’s not worried about future concussions. While he’ll play a bit different in 2025, Brisker also can be a game-changer. There might be a wait-and-see approach to his contract status, but he could earn a solid extension with a great year. He’s well liked among the defensive backs, which is a factor.

All that context makes me less likely to take a safety high, but adding depth would’t hurt. Or the Bears can kick the can down the road and make adjustments in 2026 with a clearer picture of Byard’s play and Brisker’s status.

Jimmy P from Arlington Heights, Ill.

Is there a position people aren’t thinking of that the Bears could go with the 10^th pick?

Bair: Most of them are covered, with offensive tackle, edge rusher, tight end and running back all under discussion. There are some obvious no’s at 10, including wide receiver, guard and quarterback.

While the Bears have beefed up at defensive tackle in free agency, that’s a well they could tap, considering the position’s prominence in today’s NFL. Cornerback would be the other area, considering the relative uncertainty of Tyrique Stevenson’s starting spot, but even that might be a stretch.

I believe it’ll end up being a lineman on the flank or a versatile skill player at No. 10. The Bears could go a number of ways, but I believe it’ll be one of those I just mentioned.

There’s only one more Bair Mail before the NFL Draft! Submit your questions below to be included in a super-sized mailbag.