It's a new era for the Chicago Bears organization, who have steadfastly rebuilt themselves in new head coach Ben Johnson's image. With Johnson leading the charge and developing 2024 first-overall pick Caleb Williams, there's plenty of reason to be excited.
This offense is stacked with skill-position players, especially after drafting tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III with their first two picks. In total, the Bears made eight selections. Johnson has plenty of experience in finding gems thanks to his time with the Detroit Lions, and there's reason to believe his fingerprints were all over this draft.
He clearly intends to play the best players he can too. New comments from the coach made things extremely clear to both rookies and veterans alike.
Ben Johnson Declares Bears Don't Have Depth Chart After NFL Draft
"There is no depth chart right now," Johnson told the media following the draft. "If you want to play, you've got to go earn it. If you want a role, you've got to go earn it."
Of course, some players, such as Williams or D.J. Moore, feel like guaranteed starters, yet Johnson seems earnest in his desire to build truly open competitions. The Bears haven't been good enough in recent years for most to feel comfortable, and there should be opportunities for unheralded guys to earn playing time.
In saying this, Johnson is making sure that rookies know they'll have chances to take starting jobs. They'll obviously have to earn it, but there's a lot of talent in this rookie class, and fans should be excited. Loveland should expect to play right away as a top-ten pick, though someone like Burden or defensive tackle Shemar Turner can realistically earn quick roles as well.
It'll be a fun summer in Chicago, and training camp should provide a good look into how the position battles are going. Johnson expects to compete for a playoff spot immediately, so he'll leave no stone unturned in trying to put the best combination of players on the field at all times.