Bears are fully dependent on QB Caleb Williams and the passing game but the defense appears to be vulnerable
The Chicago Bears are planning to show their competition in the NFC North that the 2025 season was just a starting point for the franchise and not just a fluky, first-place finish.
The Bears responded brilliantly to the coaching of Ben Johnson and his staff and played their best football during the most crucial moments of late-season games to win the division title and gain a postseason victory over the archrival Green Bay Packers. Caleb Williams improved dramatically from his lukewarm rookie season in 2024 and looked like an elite quarterback.
The Bears should have the ability to light up the scoreboard this season and Williams has a pair of game-changing players in WR Rome Odunze and TE Colston Loveland. However, there are questions about the crucial left tackle position. If the Bears can’t protect Williams’ back side, Johnson may not be able to develop the strategy that is needed for the offense to reach its potential.
The Bears defense has multiple issues because they ranked 29th in yards allowed last year and were dependent on taking the ball away from their opponents. Kevin Byard, Nahshon Wright and Tremaine Edmunds combined for 16 interceptions last year, and all three are no longer with the team.
Here’s our projection as to what that 53-man roster will look like at 6 p.m. ET Sunday.
Quarterbacks (3)
Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, Case Keenum
If the Bears are going to build off of what they accomplished last year, it’s all about Williams continuing to make plays when the game is on the line. He has brilliant escapability and that allowed him to buy enough time for his receivers to get open and make big plays. He needs to be more accurate with his short- and medium-range throws this season. The Bears love Bagent as their backup quarterback because he plays with confidence and surprising leadership. Keenum has a solid track record when asked to take over under center.
Running Backs (3)
D’Andre Swift, Kyle Monangai, Salvon Ahmed
The running game is one of the most underrated aspects of the Bears’ offense and Swift ran for 1,087 yards and averaged nearly 5.0 yards per carry. He should be able to match or exceed those numbers in 2026. Monangai is tough to bring down and finishes his runs with authority. Ahmed will edge out Roschon Johnson for the last RB spot.
Wide Receivers (6)
Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker, Zavion Thomas, Scotty Miller
There is a huge change from last season as veteran D.J. Moore has moved on to the Buffalo Bills and that means that Odunze is the team’s go-to guy. Burden has the guts to go over the middle and make by big plays. Raymond is expected to make a solid contribution and get the job done on key third-down plays. Miller will earn the final WR spot over Kaden Thomas because he can make the tough catch and absorb the hit.
Tight Ends (3)
Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, Sam Roush
Johnson loves using multiple-TE formations and he will be tempted go with four tight ends on the roster. However, he will end up with three tight ends, and that’s bad news for Stephen Carlson. Loveland should be one of the best tight ends in the league and Kmet is not far behind.
Offensive Line (9)
Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Garrett Bradbury, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright, Ozzy Trapilo, Theo Benedet, Logan Jones, Jordan McFadden
This is the area that Williams is most dependent on for his success, and while the group looks solid, the left tackle position is somewhat shaky. When Jones is healthy, he is competent and can get the job done, but he had a minor knee injury in training camp. He should be ready to start in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, but depth at that position is clearly an issue. Thuney is one of the best interior blockers in the league. Bradbury is a veteran center who has played with the Vikings and Patriots. He has plenty of know-how, but bigger, stronger interior pass rushers give him problems. Center Drew Dalman’s retirement is an issue for this group.
Defensive Line (10)
Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter Sr., Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy, Neville Gallimore, Kentavius Street, Marcus Davenport, Jamree Kromah
The Bears need Sweat to play with consistency from Week 1 through Week 18 and once again put double-digit sacks on the board. Odeyingbo is coming back from a ruptured Achilles and he will be an every-down player. Dexter needs to continue to grow in his position. Kromah will make the final roster because of his hustle and excellent work in training camp.
Linebackers (6)
Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
T.J. Edwards, Devin Bush, D’Marco Jackson, Jack Sanborn, Noah Sewell, Ruben Hyppolite II
The loss of Tremaine Edmunds could be a big problem for defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Bush will be an excellent addition because of his speed and instincts. Sanborn is an excellent fit and he is also an eye-catching special-teams player. There may be a chance that 5th-round pick Keyshaun Elliott takes the last LB spot and sends Hyppolite to the practice squad.
Cornerbacks (6)
Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Malik Muhammad, Josh Blackwell, Jaylon Jones, Dontae Manning
The absence of Kyler Gordon from the roster means he will be on the Reserve/PUP list. Ben Johnson seems annoyed that Gordon has not participated during training camp after playing just 3 games last year. Jaylon Johnson is the best cover man of the group and Stevenson must pick up his game this season or the Bears will be vulnerable in coverage.
Safeties (4)
Cam Lewis, Dillon Thieneman, Xavier Woods, Skyler Thomas
This area could be disastrous for the Bears. Not only did they lose Byard, the league’s leader in interceptions last year, the season-ending injury suffered by Coby Bryant leaves this group in a vulnerable situation. The Bears need rookie Thieneman to step in and play like a veteran from the start.
Special Teams (3)
Cairo Santos (K), Tory Taylor (P), Beau Gardner (LS)
Santos has solidified the Bears kicking situations and Taylor is one of the best directional punters in the NFL.
The Chicago Bears are planning to show their competition in the NFC North that the 2025 season was just a starting point for the franchise and not just a fluky, first-place finish. The Bears responded brilliantly to the coaching of Ben Johnson and his staff and played their best football during the most crucial moments of late-season games to win the division title and gain a postseason victory over the archrival Green Bay Packers.
