A year ago, the Chicago Bears found their quarterback of the future and strengthened their wide receiver core in the first round, alone. This year, they added another offensive weapon that fits in with new head coach Ben Johnson's style and approach to the game.
General manager Ryan Poles and the rest of the front office were blessed with a trio of second-round selections to add depth to their roster. Another wide receiver, an offensive tackle, and a defensive tackle were taken on Day 2.
One of the biggest concerns entering the offseason was the offensive line. Free agency shored that side of the ball up and allowed the Bears to take the best available fits for their schemes on both offense and defense.
A Pair of Spots That Bears Excelled at in the Draft
Last year's first-overall pick, Caleb Williams, impressed the NFL fans and the Bears' locker room. The rookie out of the University of Southern California developed in the league by throwing to the likes of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, Gerald Everett, and more.
At least two of his targets have not been invited back for the 2025 NFL season (Allen and Everett, both former Chargers players). Running back D'Andre Swift underperformed in his first year with the Bears.
Tight end Coleston Loveland and wideout Luther Burden III should help prevent Williams from taking the proverbial sophomore slump that has plagued a number of quarterbacks, including the Houston Texans' CJ Stroud.
Luther Burden is nasty at the top of the route. Just snaps things off so effortlessly and creates separation. https://t.co/UZKASIZm9P
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) April 28, 2025
After starting the season 4-2, the Bears ended the season 5-12 thanks to a ten-game losing streak. Chicago did not produce a 1,000-yard rusher or a 1,000-yard receiver in 2024. If that were to happen again in 2025, the reason would be more because of depth rather than a lack of productivity from talent.
Chicago was also just outside the top ten in passing yards allowed. The Bears' secondary recorded 11 interceptions and tallied 13 forced fumbles.
Cornerback Zah Frazier was added in the fifth round. He should complement Jaylon Johnson, Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens, and Kevin Byard III nicely in the Bears' secondary. Defensive tackle Shemar Turner and linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II further strengthen Chicago's defense behind Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, TJ Edwards, and Tremaine Edmunds.
Thus, Chicago borderline excelled at improving their passing options and defense in the NFL Draft.
Where Did the Bears Miss During the NFL Draft?
Chicago had the second-worst passing offense last year. Their incoming rookie class should help address that to some degree. Ben Johnson taking over the team should, too.
However, the Bears' rushing offense ranked towards the bottom of the league. It was the eighth-worst in the NFL in 2024. The only team in the bottom ten run offenses to make the playoffs was the Los Angeles Rams.
With the departures of Justin Fields and David Montgomery, the once-mighty Chicago rushing attack became borderline inferior. The Bears failed to address the aspect of the game during the draft outside of their seventh-round selection, Kyle Monangai (Rutgers University).
Perhaps Chicago's front office is being patient and hoping to scoop a running back following preseason cuts. But for now, the Bears failed to address a major need in the NFL Draft. It's borderline unbearable.