The Chicago Bears are kicking off their offseason program, where new head coach Ben Johnson will start preparing his team for the 2025 season.
When looking at these projections, there aren't many holes that Poles needs to fill in the 2025 NFL draft, although there are certainly upgrades that could be made. That includes potentially upgrading at left tackle, where three-year starter Braxton Jones is coming off a broken ankle, edge rusher, to add another pass rusher to the roster, or even a playmaking running back.
As the Bears kick off their offseason program, we're projecting what the current Bears starting lineup will look like when Week 1 begins.
QB Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams' rookie season was far from ideal, as he led a team to a 5-12 record amid a 10-game losing streak, as well as dealt with two head coaches and three different offensive coordinators. But Williams still managed to impress and break franchise and NFL rookie records along the way. Now, heading into Year 2, with the addition of Johnson at head coach, the sky's the limit for the former No. 1 overall pick.
RB D'Andre Swift
The Bears signed D'Andre Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract last offseason to serve as the team's lead back. While Swift's first season wasn't a disappointment, it wasn't a success either. With Johnson's arrival, there's a high likelihood that Chicago will look to add to that room, most likely in the NFL draft with this deep class of running backs. For now, Swift is penciled in as the starter, but that could change heading into the draft.
WR DJ Moore
DJ Moore remains the undisputed No. 1 wideout with the Bears, and he earned a four-year, $110 million extension before the start of the 2024 season. Last year was an underwhelming one for Moore, but he still had a career-high 98 receptions for 966 yards (leading the team) and six touchdowns. With a full offseason to continue to build chemistry with Williams, and the addition of Johnson, that connection will continue to flourish and Moore should be eyeing another 1,000-yard season.
WR Rome Odunze
The Bears drafted Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick in last year's draft, pairing him with Williams, and they both have a bright future. Despite being relegated to the WR3 role behind Moore and Keenan Allen, Odunze still thrived with 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns while showing he has the potential to be a top wideout. With Keenan Allen expected to depart in free agency, Odunze will see an expanded role. And, with Johnson leading the offense, he'll be able to unlock Odunze's full potential.
WR OIamide Zaccheaus
Following the departure of Keenan Allen in free agency, the Bears signed Olamide Zaccheaus to serve in that WR3 role, primarily as the slot receiver. Zaccheaus had a career-high 45 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns last season with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders. Ben Johnson talked about the importance of ...
