And we’re here. Well, nearly.

The 2025 NFL Draft will start Thursday night, with the Bears currently scheduled to pick No. 10 overall. They could go almost anywhere with the selection after doing good work in trades and free agency this offseason.

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That’s probably why your questions dealt with several different topics, and there’s a great set of diverse opinions on what the Bears should do.

All of you are passionate. All of you just might be right. That’s why this event is so dramatic. The hype and suspense results in the selection of a player who should be key to the team’s present and future.

Let’s get to your questions in this Wednesday Bair Mail — the last mailbag before the NFL draft.

Marc Bennett from Wheeling, Ill.

Is Jeanty really good enough to warrant a top 10 pick in a draft deep at running back, when the Bears really need help in the trenches? His o-line in college opened huge holes for him constantly.

Bair: In a word, yes. That’s not just me talking. That’s the consensus among top draft analysts, who often have him in the top five of their big boards. Ashton Jeanty is a truly dynamic talent worth of a top-10 selection. I have little doubt about that.

And, if we think about it, how bad do the Bears need offensive line help? Where’s the weak point in terms of frontline talent and depth? The only argument could be made at left tackle, and Braxton Jones is a quality player.

The Bears certainly could look to upgrade there, though, and try to grab a top talent on a rookie deal while paying so much to the interior line. I’m not against the argument of taking a truly premium position up there, especially a tackle who could be around for multiple contracts if all works out.

Back to Jeanty. The big-picture concern is running back longevity, and you want a top-10 player around for more than his rookie contract. And the fact that this running back class is deep and you could land a really good back on Day 2. All that makes sense. I’d still go for an offensive playmaker here.

Also, the argument’s a bit moot, and here’s why. I don’t believe there’s any way Jeanty will make it to No. 10. I don’t believe he will make it past the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6. Pete Carroll isn’t looking for longevity. He’s looking to turn around the Raiders fast, and he’d know how to use Jeanty well.

Picking Jeanty might require a trade up the board, which changes the math somewhat in terms of value.

Jon R from Yonkers, N.Y.

The Bears need an immediate starter at left tackle, so trading back would only make sense if all of Campbell, Membou, and Banks are off the board at No. 10.

Bair: I don’t share your opinion on Braxton Jones, as I’ve stated above. Armand Membou is a super interesting option at No. 10, if he makes it, though analysts believe he’s a better right tackle. While Darnell Wright could move to the left side, I believe the Bears would like him to stay put. If Will Campbell is there at No. 10, I think you take him.

I did want to use your mention of a trade down in the first round. I received several questions about it, though it’s often related to longer trade proposals that would muck up the works.

Generally speaking, the Bears could receive great value from a trade down from No. 10, especially if some coveted prospects are off the board. There’s a lot of good in the mid-teens, especially with tight end Colston Loveland or running back Omarion Hampton or fellow offensive tackle Josh Simmons.

I believe the Bears are looking for major upgrades. Whether that comes with a dramatic trade up to grab an elite player or a move down the board to add even more Day 2 value remains to be seen.

Jack Milewski from Plainfield, Ill.

I think Landon Jackson is a steal at 39 or 41. Big dude, with a high motor. What do you think?

Bair: Agree wholeheartedly, Jack. I’m a big fan of Nic Scourton from Texas A&M as well — another big dude who is tough off the edge. I also like Ohio State defensive tackle Tyelik Williams, a stout run defender and a massive human.

Now back to Jackson. He’s a good physical fit at 6-foot-6 and 264 pounds, and he has real athleticism for his size. He could help right away in sub packages and create waves of pressure for the Bears. He’d also have time to develop without the need to start right away.

At Arkansas, Jackson had lots of tackles for losses, which are more important that just sacks. He gets in the backfield a ton and could be a strong selection with one of the Bears’ second-round picks.

Daren Schneider from Decatur, Ill.

Would the Bears ever consider a trade up for Abdul Carter?

Bair: The Penn State edge rusher isn’t talked about much in Bears draft discussion, considering he’s expected to go in the top three. He’s clearly the best edge rusher and would be a great fit in almost any defense. Going up that high is cost prohibitive, though, and probably would include a major player or a future first-round pick, or both.

That’s a whole lot to part with for a five-win team that sure seems more than one player away from being relevant. Anything’s possible with Poles at the helm, so it shouldn’t be discounted. We sure shouldn’t call it likely, either. There’s zero chance Carter will fall too far at all.