2: Chicago Bears going all in around Caleb Williams
The Bears have brought in former Detroit Lions offensive guru Ben Johnson to run the show in Chi-Town and help Caleb Williams take the next step in the NFL. Can he build a competitor in the NFC North around the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft? It starts with stabilizing the offensive line and adding more weapons to mix which the team did in the draft.
Top Pick: The selection of tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick could be considered the surprise pick in the draft for two reasons:
- Penn State star Tyler Warren was projected to be the top tight end off the board in the draft.
- The Bears already have Cole Kmet at tight end, so many mock drafts had the team going in another direction with the No. 10 overall pick – perhaps an offensive lineman or high-level defender.
Despite the initial surprise, Loveland’s talent at the tight end position gives Johnson and the Bears an interesting two-tight end set that can help Williams get the ball out quicker and it gives him bigger targets who can not only stretch the field but create mismatches. Loveland could have similar success as Lions tight end Sam Laporta who played and delivered as a rookie under Johnson.
Surprise Pick: Luther Burden III is the surprise pick here because he was valued as a first-round pick who slipped all the way down to No. 39 due to some injury concerns and a dip in his production in 2024. Prior to 2024, Burden III was considered a top wide receiver product who could break ankles with his explosiveness. Under Johnson look for Burden III to have a bit of a revival as a big play waiting to happen.
Favorite Pick: The Bears had three second round picks and used them to address needs. The team added some reinforcements along the offensive line in the offseason and added to that with the selection of offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo out of Boston College. A big, powerful tackle, Trapilo should compete for starting left tackle. At the least, he will be a swing tackle in Year 1 and help solidify the line in front of Williams. A great pick for the Bears who is already seeing first-team reps in training camp.
A potential steal of the draft: Seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai is already making waves in training camp. Can the former Rutgers star running back crack the 53-man roster and earn snaps in a Bears’ backfield led by D’Andre Swift? In rushing for over 2,541 yards over the last two seasons at Rutgers, his powerful running style and pass blocking may just get him on the field more than expected in the Windy City.