Scouting never takes a break in the wonderful world of football. NFL general managers are always on the hot seat, so preparing for the future is something they must always be doing.

For general manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears, they still have a ton of holes on both offense and defense. They are expected to take big steps during the 2025 season, but there is no doubt that more work must be done.

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One game worth scouting with an extra eye this weekend is No. 15 Michigan vs. No. 18 Oklahoma. This prime-time matchup between two top-25 teams promises to be incredibly entertaining, but it also has players who can help the Bears in the future.

Chicago selected tight end Colston Loveland out of Michigan in the 2025 NFL draft, and there’s no doubt that they would go to that well again in 2026. Oklahoma has plenty of great talent, as well. These four are worth watching:

R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma

It is well-documented that the Bears need help with their pass rush. Interior defensive linemen would be great, but another edge opposite of Montez Sweat would be the most ideal. R Mason Thomas is worth watching on Saturday as he goes against a Michigan offense that has a lot of great weapons.

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Thomas is still trying to elevate his draft stock. Entering this season, he could go on the earlier side of the middle rounds. A strong performance against this Michigan team may improve his overall stock, especially if a desperate team like the Bears likes what they see. In Week 1 against a much weaker opponent in Illinois State, Thomas totaled two tackles, but his team cruised to an easy victory. This Michigan team will force him to be much more involved on the stat sheet. It will be interesting to see how he responds.

Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

If the Bears decide to move on from DJ Moore next offseason, which is entirely possible, they may consider drafting his replacement to join Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Deion Burks is someone that they could consider. Against Illinois State last week, he had seven receptions for 88 yards and a touchdown. There are a lot of good weapons on his side of the ball, which opens things up for him, but Michigan won’t be as easy to carve as ISU was.

Burks possesses the talent of an NFL-caliber receiver, but he must demonstrate it throughout the entire 2025 season. If he continues to deliver big performances, as he did against ISU, while playing against better teams, his stock will continue to rise. The Bears must keep an eye on him.

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Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan

Derrick Moore didn’t put up the most incredible stat line against New Mexico, but even they knew that he was the best edge rusher they would face all season long. When he is on the field, the opposing quarterback knows that a guy who can get them on the ground with consistency is on the field.

Against Oklahoma, Moore has a chance to catch the attention of NFL scouts from around the league. For Chicago, if they don’t draft one of the first-round locks at the position, they may consider someone like Moore.

Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan

Justice Haynes was incredible vs New Mexico in Week 1. On the ground, he had 159 yards on 16 carries. Three of those carries ended in the endzone, which played a big role in Michigan’s win. Haynes also had two catches for six yards. It isn’t like he’s a game-breaking receiver out of the backfield, but he’s a threat to catch a pass, which makes defenses have to think twice about where he is, whether the ball is handed to him or not.

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D’Andre Swift is a nice player, but he isn’t the long-term solution at running back. None of their younger players in the running back room appear to be the answer either. In the 2026 NFL draft, the Bears are likely going to consider someone in the first half of the draft. If Haynes continues to impress while staying healthy, he could earn respect from NFL teams entering the draft. The Bears must keep an eye on him.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Michigan vs. Oklahoma: Draft prospects to watch in Week 2