Latest Draft Intel from NFL Insider Suggests Top-5 Prospect Could Easily Fall to Bears

As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the buzz surrounding top prospects continues to grow louder. Among the teams garnering serious attention this year is the Chicago Bears, who hold multiple first-round picks — including the coveted No. 1 overall selection. But recent insider intel suggests something even more intriguing than their top selection: a top-5 talent may unexpectedly fall into their lap with their second first-round pick at No. 9.

This development could completely reshape the Bears’ draft strategy, giving them a golden opportunity to land not just one, but two cornerstone players to elevate the franchise in 2025 and beyond.

The Player in Question

While many names have circulated in the top-5 discussion — Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr., Drake Maye, and Olu Fashanu among them — recent reports from insiders point toward LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers as the player who could unexpectedly drop. Nabers, who many scouts consider the second-best wide receiver in this class behind Marvin Harrison Jr., is a game-changing talent known for his explosiveness, route running, and ability to turn short passes into massive gains.

Most draft boards had Nabers firmly planted in the top 5, with some even projecting him to be taken as early as No. 3. But new whispers around the league suggest that a combination of team needs and shifting priorities could cause Nabers to slip — right into the Bears’ lap at pick No. 9.

Why the Fall Might Happen

Several factors could contribute to a surprising draft night slide for Nabers:

1. Quarterback Frenzy: With QB-hungry teams like the Commanders, Patriots, and Falcons all sitting inside the top 10, it’s expected that at least three quarterbacks will be taken early. Some insiders believe a fourth quarterback — possibly J.J. McCarthy — could rise into the top 5 as well, especially after strong Combine and Pro Day performances.
2. Offensive Line Emphasis: Teams like the Giants and Titans may prioritize protection over skill positions, targeting top offensive tackles like Joe Alt and Olu Fashanu. This shift in focus could push skill position players like Nabers down the board.
3. Defensive Prioritization: Edge rushers like Dallas Turner and Jared Verse are drawing late surges in interest. If teams choose to invest in defensive playmakers, again, that could bump a top-tier WR lower than expected.
4. Fit Concerns: While Nabers is widely considered a top talent, not every team in the top 8 may see him as the perfect fit for their offensive scheme. If WR-needy teams already have slot-heavy players or are rebuilding their offensive identity, they might opt to address other areas first.

Why the Bears Could Pounce

If Malik Nabers is indeed available at No. 9, it would be hard for the Bears to pass up. They’re in a rare position of control this draft cycle. With the No. 1 overall pick, they are all but certain to select USC’s Caleb Williams to be the face of the franchise. Giving their new franchise quarterback an elite weapon like Nabers would be a dream scenario.

Despite trading for Keenan Allen and already having D.J. Moore on the roster, wide receiver remains a position the Bears could look to further strengthen — especially considering Allen’s age and contract situation. Adding Nabers to a WR room that already includes Moore and Allen would give Chicago one of the most dangerous offensive trios in the league and offer Williams a chance to thrive from day one.

Plus, the Bears’ new offensive coordinator system is expected to feature heavy spread formations and quick reads, meaning dynamic receivers who can create separation and pick up yards after the catch are at a premium. Nabers fits that mold perfectly.

Possible Alternate Plans

Of course, the Bears’ front office is prepared for multiple scenarios. If Nabers is not available, they could still address other key needs. One potential option is selecting an edge rusher or cornerback to beef up the defense. But if a top-5 player like Nabers falls to them, it would be extremely difficult to ignore such value.

Insiders have even speculated that Chicago could entertain trading back slightly if Nabers is still on the board at No. 9, drawing in teams desperate to leap for him. That would give Chicago even more draft capital — though such a move would only occur if GM Ryan Poles is confident that they can still land a top-tier player in the process.

Risk vs. Reward

Every draft comes with risks. Players slide every year for various reasons, from medical concerns to team evaluations that differ from media narratives. But when a player of Malik Nabers’ caliber becomes available outside the top 5, teams have to weigh those risks against the massive potential reward.

For the Bears, who are attempting to break out of years of mediocrity, building an offensive core around a rookie quarterback means taking chances on elite weapons. With a competent offensive line, two veteran receivers, and a promising young running back room, adding Nabers would not only give them firepower — it would send a message to the league that Chicago is serious about building a contender.

The Bigger Picture

This scenario — of a top-5 player sliding and ending up in Chicago — highlights the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft. While big boards and mock drafts give a general sense of where players will land, team strategies, interviews, private workouts, and even last-minute trade decisions can upend everything.

For Bears fans, it also represents hope. After years of quarterback struggles, underwhelming offenses, and disappointing finishes, the idea of walking away from draft night with Caleb Williams and Malik Nabers is electrifying.

It would instantly shift the team’s identity. It would give new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron the tools to craft a dangerous, multi-faceted attack. And it would make the Bears — long seen as a defensive franchise — one of the most intriguing young offenses in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

While nothing is guaranteed in the NFL Draft, the latest intel from league insiders makes one thing clear: the Chicago Bears are in a fantastic position. Whether they land Malik Nabers at No. 9 or someone else slides unexpectedly, the value and flexibility of their two first-round picks could define the next decade for the franchise.

If the board falls the right way — and the whispers prove true — the Bears might walk away with not just the face of the franchise, but also his go-to weapon. And in the NFL, that kind of draft haul can change everything.