The Chicago Bears are preparing for an organized team event (OTA), which will begin on May 20. General Manager Ryan Poles continued to build the roster during the offseason, adding some potential influence players on offense and defense.
It started with the acquisition of offensive wingers Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman on free agents, as well as defensive wingers Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. Continuing through the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago added playmakers in Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III, along with offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner.
Head coach Ben Johnson made it clear that players will have to win the roster and start working.
"We talked about this when players returned to the building (April 7)," Johnson said in April. "It would be a competitive environment. There is no depth chart right now. If you want to play, you have to make money. If you want a character, you have to go and make money. They know that. When they enter the building, we are very simple and straightforward to them."
Johnson says there is no depth chart at the moment, but let's try to cast OTA's number one:
It's no surprise that Caleb Williams, who entered his first full offseason, was firmly on the starter in the quarterback situation. The addition of Case Keenum makes an experienced veteran the sound of the room, but Tyson Bagent has been a backup since his rookie season and has now retained the place.
The Bears waited until the seventh round to draft a run at Rutgers' Kyle Monangai, which is certainly surprising, but it seems Chicago will definitely try it. GM Ryan Poles acknowledged that the board did not fall off sometimes, which could suggest a run back (Quinshon Judkins, Treveyon Henderson, Cam Skattebo). That's good news for D'Andre Swift, who stayed ahead with Roschon Johnson and Monangai behind him. But it is no surprise for the Bears to add a veteran to free agent. Therefore, this depth map is still a work in progress.
Recipients weren't Chicago's highest demand, but the board fell just right into their knees at the first round of Luther Burden III. The burden is compared with Jameson Williams, who Ben Johnson coached in Detroit. DJ Moore and Rome Odunze are the clear starters for the receivers who will continue to build chemistry with Williams. However, the burden will also become a combination of special weapons in the slot.
The Bears landed a stud in Colston Loveland at No. 10 and he would be the perfect addition to Cole Kmet. Loveland is an elite athlete, skilled route runner and natural catcher for the ball. Ben Johnson is known for his two tight-fitting suits, while Kmet and Loveland pairing will be fatal with an opposing defense.
During the offseason, the entire internal offensive line was overhauled, through the acquisitions of trade guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and through free agent Drew Dalman. Chicago did add several offensive linemen to tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defender Luke Newman. Trapilo used to play in left and right tackles so he could insert anywhere. Currently, we're Braxton Jones started off on the back-up of left tackle, but he could play that starting role. Although Kiran Amegadjie will be fighting for that left tackle job, we're currently inserting him into Darnell Wright's backup. Newman has the versatility of a defender/center, so it's all a question of where the Bears fit him best. Currently, he supports Dalman after the center.
Even with Montez's sweat leading the way, the Bears need more pass sprints. They took free agent action and gained rising talent in Dayo Odeyingbo, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Austin Booker has shown a shimmer in his rookie season, but he needs to be successful as a rotation player. Chicago didn't address the edge rushers in the draft, so see if they're adding another veteran to join (maybe for Trey Hendrickson) or exploring the indoor guard outside.
Chicago had a solid duo of Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter last season, but the situation fell after losing the season this season as Dexter suffered losses. The Bears added an advantage defender to Grady Jarrett, the inside pass stormtrooper. But they also landed potential studs at Shemar Turner, who developed a violent, aggressive attitude towards the field. Expect to see a large number of these four.
TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds have not really changed in Linebacker. However, the Bears will have to deal with Jack Sanborn's losses, who chose not to bid as a restricted free agent. Chicago chose Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round, and he will compete for depth positioning with former fifth-round draft pick Noah Sewell and return of the depth production and special team Ace Amen Ogbongbemiga.
The cornerback can be said to be the strongest position group in the lineup. Jaylon Johnson’s second pro bowl nodded and would lead a group of Kyler Gordon, who recently signed a contract extension, Tyrique Stevenson and Tyrique Stevenson, who has a lot to prove after his disastrous sophomore season. But Zah Frazier, who caught Al Harris's eyes in the pre-draft process, will offer Stevenson competition.
Chicago's starting safety duo teamed up with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, both entering the final year of their respective deals. Byard was one of the Department of Defense MVPs last season, and Brisker missed most of the year after the week 5 concussion. Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks will continue to serve as key depth and special team contributors.
The Bears are returning to their starting special team unit with Cairo Santos, bettor Tory Taylor and long snapper Scott Daly. Patrick Scales missed last season after having back surgery last season, with Daly stepping up his position and even getting a one-year contract in the offseason.
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