Chicago already had a solid tackle duo in Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones, who ranked 16th and 22nd, respectively, among qualified tackles in PFF grade last season. The team overhauled its interior offensive line this offseason by acquiring Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson. Thuney is the highest-graded pass-blocker at the position since 2021. Dalman is an excellent zone blocker who fits seamlessly into Ben Johnson’s scheme. Jackson also has experience with Johnson, so familiarity won’t be an issue. This unit could be one of the NFL’s elite offensive lines in 2025.
Running back is the only offensive position where the Bears didn’t make a major addition this offseason. Chicago’s running backs ranked 26th in rushing grade and 32nd in yards after contact per attempt last season. D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson could benefit from improved blocking up front, but this unit doesn’t project as particularly explosive in 2025.
Williams’ rookie season was derailed by poor playcalling, inconsistent accuracy and a general reluctance to throw on time. His performance in 2025 will largely depend on how well he adapts to Ben Johnson’s system and improves his timing. Williams ranked 32nd out of 41 qualified quarterbacks in passing grade when throwing in rhythm (76.6). His 56.4 deep passing grade was the lowest among all NFL starters last season. On the bright side, his 2.6% turnover-worthy play rate was comparable to those of Josh Allen and Geno Smith.
Offensive player: OT Darnell Wright
Wright is quickly emerging as one of the NFL’s most dependable starting right tackles. His 79.3 PFF grade ranked fourth among right tackles last season, trailing only Penei Sewell, Lane Johnson and Zach Tom. He also excelled in zone blocking, earning an 89.9 grade in that area — seventh among all qualified tackles — which should align well with Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme.
Defensive player: CB Jaylon Johnson
Johnson didn’t quite match his elite 2023 form last season, but he remains one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks. Over the past two years, he’s earned an outstanding 89.4 PFF grade, second among all cornerbacks behind Trent McDuffie. In that span, he’s recorded six interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
Rookie to watch: TE Colston Loveland
Tight end was a quiet weak spot for Chicago last season, as the group ranked 30th in receiving grade. Former Michigan Wolverine Colston Loveland could be the solution. Despite playing in a run-heavy offense, Loveland earned a 90.8 receiving grade over the past two seasons, fourth among FBS tight ends. His talent, combined with Ben Johnson’s history of tight end utilization, could make for an ideal pairing.
Fantasy spotlight: TE Colston Loveland
Loveland’s 88.5 receiving grade over the past five seasons ranks eighth among Power Five tight ends, trailing only Brock Bowers, Dalton Kincaid, Charlie Kolar, Michael Mayer, Tyler Warren, Maliq Carr and Sam LaPorta. His lower rank is partly due to volume, as his 2.22 yards per route run ranks fourth, ahead of fellow potential first-rounder Tyler Warren. Now with the Chicago Bears under head coach Ben Johnson, Loveland will look to follow in LaPorta’s footsteps and emerge as an elite fantasy option as a rookie.
Best bet: RB D’Andre Swift — over 850.5 rushing yards (-114)
Reunited with Ben Johnson and running behind a revamped offensive line, Swift is positioned for a breakout year. Despite battling injuries in 2022 under Johnson, Swift still averaged over 5.5 yards per carry. The only other back to top 5.0 yards per carry in a Johnson-led offense is Jahmyr Gibbs, who posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in Detroit.
Bottom line
Few quarterbacks face more pressure this season than Caleb Williams. The supporting cast around him is significantly improved, and if his production begins to match his elite talent, Chicago could contend for a playoff spot.
This news was originally published on this post .
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