Could Ben Johnson Shock The Draft Again? Insider Thinks So. Here’s How
Going into the 2025 NFL draft, almost everybody assumed the Chicago Bears would focus on one of two positions with their 10th overall pick in the 1st round. They would either take a left tackle like Kelvin Banks or Armand Membou, or they would take a pass rusher like Mykel Williams. So you can imagine the surprise on people’s faces when the Bears selected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Not only was he somebody seldom discussed for most of the spring, but many didn’t even consider him the best tight end on the board. It soon came out that the decision was largely driven by head coach Ben Johnson.
Insiders had indicated for some time that he had significant sway in personnel decisions after the Bears hired him. This was the first confirmation of that. Loveland fit Johnson’s system perfectly, and it showed throughout last season as he developed into a playmaker. The head coach said his goal is less about positional value and more about adding good football players. It might be time to wonder if the same thing could happen again this year.
College insider Joel Klatt predicts it will happen again next month when the Bears select wide receiver Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State.
Ben Johnson being attracted to Tyson would be a surprise.
When you watch the receiver on tape, you immediately see qualities that the Bears’ head coach covets. He’s 6’2″ and over 200 lbs, which have been typical requirements for wide receivers under him. His route-running is polished and smooth, undoubtedly thanks in large part to working with Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward. His quickness and agility allow him to play inside or outside, and he has great body control to make tough catches. Also, like Ward, he is a willing competitor in the running game.
That all sounds like a Ben Johnson wide receiver. The concern with Tyson, and likely the reason he will be available at #25, is health issues. He battled through knee, collarbone, and hamstring injuries across three seasons. Nobody questions his toughness. Putting up 105 yards and a touchdown against the stacked Texas Tech defense with two bad hamstrings was proof of that. Tyson has a game tailor-made for the NFL. The obvious concern is whether his body can hold up.
One must not forget the commitment the Bears have made.
After so many years of prioritizing defense and running the ball, Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles have made it their mission to build around their young quarterback. Trading D.J. Moore was necessary for business reasons. It is not that the team wanted to do it. They had to. This doesn’t even account for the loss of Olamide Zaccheaus, who left for Atlanta in free agency. The depth and firepower of the receiving corps are leaning on Rome Odunze and Luther Burden. Don’t forget Odunze missed lots of time last year with a foot injury.
It isn’t crazy to think the Bears aren’t as comfortable with their receiver situation as others might be. Experts believe this draft is deep at edge rusher and safety. That means the team could turn right around and grab one of each with their 2nd round picks, then go after a center or defensive tackle in the 3rd. Will they draft a wide receiver? Probably not. Tyson isn’t expected to be available that late, but Klatt raises an important point. Don’t dismiss Johnson’s influence in this decision.