Remember the buzz last draft season when the Bears shocked everyone by selecting Luther Burden III at 39th overall? The pick was met with widespread confusion—a sentiment many Bears fans shared. With established targets like D.J. Moore and rookie Rome Odunze already in the fold, and tight end Colby Loveland just added, the selection seemed puzzling at the time. Names like T.J. Sanders or JT Tuimoloau felt like more obvious needs.

Yet, General Manager Ryan Poles’ commitment to selecting the Best Player Available (BPA) proved masterful. Burden immediately looked like a future star, while the more "obvious" picks combined for just 33 tackles and 3 sacks. It was a perfect lesson in long-term vision over short-term need.

That leads us to this year's burning question: Who could be the 2025 version of Luther Burden—a surprise pick that becomes a cornerstone?

The answer might lie in a position flying under the radar: the interior offensive line. While the unit has been solid, its future is less certain. Veteran Joe Thuney, though excellent, is 33. Jonah Jackson has battled inconsistency and injuries, and Garrett Bradbury feels like a temporary fix. The depth chart lacks a clear, high-end successor.

So, who could be that surprise selection if they fall into Chicago's lap? While a top prospect like Olaivavega Ioane would be a dream at pick 25, he's unlikely to be there. That brings us to a compelling, under-the-radar name: Arizona State's Max Iheanachor.

On the surface, targeting another offensive lineman might seem unconventional. However, Iheanachor presents a fascinating profile. He possesses prototypical size and strength for the interior, with the technical foundation and power to immediately compete for a role. Drafting him would be a classic BPA move—addressing a looming future need with top-tier talent before it becomes a crisis, much like the Burden pick did for the receiver room.