Every NFL Draft is filled with drama, strategy, and suspense. But for the Chicago Bears, the 2025 NFL Draft had a singular, crushing moment — one that insiders now say “broke the hearts” of the team’s front office.

Despite a historic draft that saw Chicago land Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze with the first and ninth overall picks, there was a third name on the board — a target who the Bears had quietly fallen in love with — who slipped through their fingers in a moment of heartbreak. According to multiple league sources, the Bears were set to make a bold move up the board for Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, before the New York Jets selected him at No. 10, one pick after the Bears.

Let’s break down what really happened inside the draft war room, why Bowers was such a coveted target, and how that missed opportunity could reshape the Bears’ future

The Setup: An Unbelievable Start for Chicago

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago was in a rare and powerful position. Thanks to the blockbuster trade with Carolina a year prior, the Bears owned the No. 1 overall pick — and with it, the rights to select the most anticipated quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence: Caleb Williams.

The USC star had been pegged as the top pick for nearly two years, and with Justin Fields traded to Pittsburgh earlier in the offseason, the Bears were all-in on Williams. They made no effort to disguise their interest, and when Roger Goodell called Caleb’s name, the celebration inside Halas Hall was euphoric.

At pick No. 9 — Chicago’s original selection — the Bears took Rome Odunze, the silky smooth, 6’3” wide receiver from Washington. With DJ Moore, Odunze, and Keenan Allen, the Bears suddenly had a receiver room to rival any in the league.

But the Bears weren’t done. According to multiple draft insiders and beat reporters, the team’s brass — including GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus — had circled one more name. And they were prepared to move up the board from their second-round position (No. 41 overall) to get him.

That name was Brock Bowers.The Plan: A Three-Headed Monster

League sources say that while many teams had Bowers ranked in the top 10, his position as a tight end made his landing spot unpredictable. Chicago, already rich with receiving talent, saw Bowers not as a luxury, but as a strategic cheat code.

In Waldron’s offense — imported from Seattle and influenced by Sean McVay’s Rams — the tight end position plays a vital role in disguising formations, attacking mismatches, and sustaining tempo. Chicago already had Cole Kmet, a solid all-around tight end, and had added Gerald Everett in free agency. But Bowers represented a different tier altogether: a dynamic, mismatch nightmare who could transform the offense.

Internally, Chicago saw the possibility of pairing:

• Caleb Williams (QB)

• DJ Moore (WR1)

• Rome Odunze (WR2)

• Brock Bowers (TE1)

• Cole Kmet (TE2)

The Bears envisioned a multiple, modern offense — one that could flex into 12 personnel but attack like a spread team. Sources say the front office had mapped out trade-up scenarios and was actively working the phones once Bowers began to slide past pick No. 6.

They reportedly made calls to the Falcons at No. 8, the Bears themselves at No. 9 (if they passed on Odunze), and the Jets at No. 10.

The goal: grab Bowers before someone else realized he was still on the board.The Heartbreaker: New York Pulls the Trigger

Then came the gut punch.

With Chicago still holding out hope for a trade up — or even a dream that Bowers might fall to the second round (however unlikely) — the New York Jets submitted their card at No. 10 and selected the Georgia superstar.

A source inside the Bears’ draft room described the moment as a “collective exhale of disappointment.” Another said that Bowers’ selection was “the only moment all night where you could hear a pin drop.”

Despite the jubilation of landing Williams and Odunze, there was a deep sense that Chicago had missed out on completing a historic trifecta. In a draft where everything seemed to fall into place, Brock Bowers was the one that got away.Why Bowers Mattered So Much

It’s worth asking: why were the Bears so enamored with a tight end in the top 10?

Here’s why Bowers was such a prized asset:

1. Scheme Fit in Waldron’s Offense

Shane Waldron comes from a coaching tree that weaponizes tight ends — from Tyler Higbee with the Rams to Noah Fant in Seattle. Bowers, with his blend of speed, hands, and physicality, was tailor-made for motion-heavy, YAC-oriented schemes.

In Chicago, he would’ve lined up in the slot, in-line, and out wide, creating constant mismatches against linebackers and safeties. He would’ve made Caleb Williams’ job dramatically easier — a security blanket who could turn a 5-yard drag into a 30-yard gain.

2. A Two-TE Attack

With Bowers and Kmet on the field together, the Bears could disguise formations endlessly. Both are capable blockers and receivers, meaning defenses would have to guess: is it a run-heavy look or a spread passing formation?

The flexibility would have forced defensive coordinators into base looks, which would then be punished by Williams’ arm and mobility.

3. High Floor, Superstar Ceiling

Bowers isn’t just a good prospect — he’s one of the most NFL-ready tight ends in recent memory. Scouts compared him to George Kittle and Aaron Hernandez (on-field comp only) for his versatility and toughness. He would’ve provided instant impact and long-term value.

The Fallout: Where Do the Bears Go From Here?

While the Bears didn’t land Bowers, their draft is still being hailed as a major success. But the miss may influence several key decisions moving forward:

1. More Pressure on Cole Kmet

With Bowers off the board, Kmet now bears more responsibility as the top tight end option. While he’s developed into a reliable player, he lacks the explosive ability that Bowers would’ve brought.

It remains to be seen whether Kmet can take the leap from “good” to “great.” If not, the Bears may revisit the position in 2026.

2. Roschon Johnson and the RB Room

There’s now speculation that the Bears may look to bolster the run game, especially if they want to lean on 12 personnel. With no Bowers, they’ll need a physical backfield presence to maximize play-action and keep defenses honest.

This could reopen talks of acquiring Nick Chubb, or drafting a power back next year.

3. Potential Tight End Trade or 2026 Draft Target

Don’t be surprised if Chicago eyes tight end talent in the 2026 draft or scans the trade market. Players like Pat Freiermuth, Dalton Schultz, or even a swing for Kyle Pitts could be on the radar if available.

The Bigger Picture: A “What Could Have Been” Moment

In NFL history, there are always the players teams nearly drafted — and those moments become defining footnotes. Just as the Bears once passed on Patrick Mahomes for Mitch Trubisky, or missed out on Aaron Donald in 2014, the Brock Bowers moment may become a quiet “what if” that lingers in team history.

But the Bears aren’t dwelling on the miss. Ryan Poles has repeatedly said that the team stuck to its board and is thrilled with the outcome. And they should be — Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze could turn the franchise around for the next decade.

Still, it’s hard to ignore the alternate universe where Chicago walks away from the first round with Williams, Odunze, and Bowers — a modern-day version of The Triplets.