The Chicago Bears collapsed midway through last season, which led to the firing of Matt Eberflus. This offseason brought serious upgrades, highlighted by the hiring of Ben Johnson, the former Lions offensive coordinator and the top coaching candidate on the market. With new leadership and added talent, this should be a bounce-back year. Here are five critical questions as the Bears enter the 2025 season.
Five pressing questions for the Chicago Bears
1. Will Caleb Williams prove he was worth the No. 1 pick?
Yes. Ben Johnson runs one of the most quarterback-friendly offenses in the league and just led Detroit to the top scoring mark in the NFL. Williams will benefit from a significantly upgraded offensive line with Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson protecting him. He also has explosive weapons, including first-round tight end Colston Loveland. Expect a strong rookie season.
2. How will Colston Loveland perform in his rookie year?
Loveland fits Johnson’s system perfectly. Johnson has compared him to Sam LaPorta, who has 146 catches, over 1,600 yards, and 17 touchdowns through two seasons. Loveland’s open-target rate of 88.7 percent last season ranked in the 97th percentile among all tight ends, according to PFF. Project him for around 60 catches, 620 yards, and five touchdowns.
J.J. McCarthy is making it look easy 🎯
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 14, 2023
He connects with Colston Loveland for a 54-yard @UMichFootball TD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uzKXqumFXQ
3. Which defensive rookie will make the biggest impact?
Although Shemar Turner was the top defensive pick at 62nd overall, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II is the rookie to watch. With Jack Sanborn gone, Hyppolite could start at strongside linebacker. He will also be a key special teams player and could fill in for Tremaine Edmunds or T.J. Edwards if injuries occur.
4. How far can Ben Johnson take the Bears?
The Bears are in position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and hit 10 wins for the first time since 2018. Johnson knows how to win close games, something Matt Eberflus consistently failed to do. With Williams under center and the offense no longer stuck in neutral, expect a major leap forward. On defense, Dennis Allen should raise the unit’s level significantly.
5. Who will the Bears pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft?
Edge rusher and running back are the two biggest needs looking ahead. I think the Bears will go with a defensive end, likely Oregon’s Matayo Uiagalelei, a big, powerful pass rusher who fits Dennis Allen’s style. I also think they’ll pass on running back in round one because Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love will already be off the board, and he’s the only back I currently have with a first-round grade.