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***Chicago Bears Thread*** Ben Johnson hired. The Resurrection Begins! (8 Viewers)

Like this analysis - the addition of a 4th rounder in 2026 adds more value. Like the offensive playmakers and depth picks on the OL. The picks on defense will be intriguing.

Final Bear draft class 2025

FYI - Mr Irrelevant went to NE at 257 - Kobee Minor DB Memphis

Next up - schedule release - May 14

We know this:

Chicago Bears​

Home: Lions, Packers, Vikings, Cowboys, Giants, Saints, Browns, Steelers
Away: Lions, Packers, Vikings, Eagles, Commanders, 49ers, Ravens, Bengals, Raiders

If I am not mistaken 3 seasons in a row at Washington?
 
On the whole I think this was an averageish or slightly above average draft. Some reaches that I didn't like (especially Hyppolite, and a bit with Trapilo & Turner), but no bad trade-ups and the trade-downs helped add picks (including a future 4th).

Came into the draft with picks 10, 39, 41, 72, 148, 233, 240
Made 3 trades and turned that into 10 (Loveland), 39 (Burden), 56 (Trapilo), 62 (Turner), 132 (Hyppolite), 169 (Frazier), 195 (Newman), 233 (Monangai), and a 2026 4th

If they'd gotten the same haul in a different way, with just a 3-for-1 trade-down at 41, I would've considered their use of every pick to be decent or better:
10 Colston Loveland
39 Luther Burden
41 --> Ozzy Trapilo, Luke Newman, and a 2026 4th
72 Shemar Turner
148 Zah Frazier
233 Kyle Monangai
240 Ruben Hyppolite

So, on the whole, my complaints with their draft keep it from being a great one rather than making it a bad one.
 
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If you want to see pre-draft scouting reports from people who liked the players we picked, here are some:

10 Colston Loveland: Daniel Jeremiah, Hayden Winks
39 Luther Burden: basically everyone especially PFF
56 Ozzy Trapilo: Hayden Winks, Lance Zierlein
62 Shemar Turner: Lance Zierlein, Dane Brugler
132 Ruben Hyppolite: uhh, maybe RAS kinda liked him and Lance Zierlein didn't completely hate him
169 Zah Frazier: Gridiron Grading, to a less extent others like Lance Zierlein
195 Luke Newman: Gridiron Grading, see also RAS
233 Kyle Monangai: Matt Waldman, also ranked a bit ahead of this by many including PFF and 33rd Team
 
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I was happy to hear the Bears rookie mini-camp looked more professional and aggressive under Ben Johnson than it had the previous years under Flus. Baby Steps.

Burden reportedly looks very good.
 
I was happy to hear the Bears rookie mini-camp looked more professional and aggressive under Ben Johnson than it had the previous years under Flus. Baby Steps.

Burden reportedly looks very good.
I agree - the vibes are skyrocketing. I am just a fan, but, after watching some clips of Burden at mini-camp, I think he has something special. He jumps off the screen a bit as he comes out of his breaks. Kind of a physics-defying burst on his initial step after a change of direction.

What does everyone think about sending a 2nd to Cincinnati for Trey Hendrickson?
 
I was happy to hear the Bears rookie mini-camp looked more professional and aggressive under Ben Johnson than it had the previous years under Flus. Baby Steps.

Burden reportedly looks very good.
I agree - the vibes are skyrocketing. I am just a fan, but, after watching some clips of Burden at mini-camp, I think he has something special. He jumps off the screen a bit as he comes out of his breaks. Kind of a physics-defying burst on his initial step after a change of direction.

What does everyone think about sending a 2nd to Cincinnati for Trey Hendrickson?
Value wise I'd feel better about sending a 3rd. Hendrickson turns 31 this season and wants a big payday. I don't know what to make of him either, when I've watched Bengals games he has never looked elite. His stats disagree, but seems a bit risky for the cost.

Bears aren't sitting pretty with the cap yet either. They only have about 6.5 mil free before working extensions/restructures.
 
I was happy to hear the Bears rookie mini-camp looked more professional and aggressive under Ben Johnson than it had the previous years under Flus. Baby Steps.

Burden reportedly looks very good.
I agree - the vibes are skyrocketing. I am just a fan, but, after watching some clips of Burden at mini-camp, I think he has something special. He jumps off the screen a bit as he comes out of his breaks. Kind of a physics-defying burst on his initial step after a change of direction.

What does everyone think about sending a 2nd to Cincinnati for Trey Hendrickson?
In reality, it's a 2nd and a big fat contract. The Bears are not a contender right now and I'd expect Hendrickson to be well into decline by the time this team is in a position to contend. I think it's best to stand put right now and let Ben Johnson work his magic on this team, which I expect to take at least 2 years.
 
I was happy to hear the Bears rookie mini-camp looked more professional and aggressive under Ben Johnson than it had the previous years under Flus. Baby Steps.

Burden reportedly looks very good.
I agree - the vibes are skyrocketing. I am just a fan, but, after watching some clips of Burden at mini-camp, I think he has something special. He jumps off the screen a bit as he comes out of his breaks. Kind of a physics-defying burst on his initial step after a change of direction.

What does everyone think about sending a 2nd to Cincinnati for Trey Hendrickson?
Value wise I'd feel better about sending a 3rd. Hendrickson turns 31 this season and wants a big payday. I don't know what to make of him either, when I've watched Bengals games he has never looked elite. His stats disagree, but seems a bit risky for the cost.

Bears aren't sitting pretty with the cap yet either. They only have about 6.5 mil free before working extensions/restructures.
Yeah, a third would be great - but I think other teams (closer to contention) would outbid us, which they probably will anyway. I don't know what I think about the philosophy of going "All in" right now. On one hand, we are probably not one player away from contention. On the other hand, we just got the best coach available, one of the highest-graded QB prospects in a while, and an infusion of talent across the board - if now isn't the time to go all in, when is? While Caleb is still on his rookie contract I hope that they make every move that they can. I don't want them trading away high picks very often, but I would be excited if they get this done. On the field I think Hendrickson would definitely open things up a bit - on passing downs maybe they would move Dayo inside? Given Dennis Allen's history with Hendrickson, I think a trade would include his endorsement - which would make me much more comfortable that they know what they are getting.
 
I was happy to hear the Bears rookie mini-camp looked more professional and aggressive under Ben Johnson than it had the previous years under Flus. Baby Steps.

Burden reportedly looks very good.
I agree - the vibes are skyrocketing. I am just a fan, but, after watching some clips of Burden at mini-camp, I think he has something special. He jumps off the screen a bit as he comes out of his breaks. Kind of a physics-defying burst on his initial step after a change of direction.

What does everyone think about sending a 2nd to Cincinnati for Trey Hendrickson?
In reality, it's a 2nd and a big fat contract. The Bears are not a contender right now and I'd expect Hendrickson to be well into decline by the time this team is in a position to contend. I think it's best to stand put right now and let Ben Johnson work his magic on this team, which I expect to take at least 2 years.
This is probably the sober take. Sometimes I just want to get Bears-drunk though. I am intrigued by the comparison to the Khalil Mack trade. Mack singlehandedly changed that defense and, if they had a better QB (or kicker) really could have made a deep run. Even though that trade cost a lot more, it showed that a single difference maker on defense can cause a cascading impact, as teams scheme for that elite player and create opportunities for other players to excel.
 
I was happy to hear the Bears rookie mini-camp looked more professional and aggressive under Ben Johnson than it had the previous years under Flus. Baby Steps.

Burden reportedly looks very good.
I agree - the vibes are skyrocketing. I am just a fan, but, after watching some clips of Burden at mini-camp, I think he has something special. He jumps off the screen a bit as he comes out of his breaks. Kind of a physics-defying burst on his initial step after a change of direction.

What does everyone think about sending a 2nd to Cincinnati for Trey Hendrickson?
Burden was the steal of the draft IMO. Talent has never been the knock on Burden, it's the tendency to LARP Redskins-era Albert Haynesworth that let him slip to the second round.

I think Johnson is going to feed this kid like crazy.
 
I was happy to hear the Bears rookie mini-camp looked more professional and aggressive under Ben Johnson than it had the previous years under Flus. Baby Steps.

Burden reportedly looks very good.
I agree - the vibes are skyrocketing. I am just a fan, but, after watching some clips of Burden at mini-camp, I think he has something special. He jumps off the screen a bit as he comes out of his breaks. Kind of a physics-defying burst on his initial step after a change of direction.

What does everyone think about sending a 2nd to Cincinnati for Trey Hendrickson?
In reality, it's a 2nd and a big fat contract. The Bears are not a contender right now and I'd expect Hendrickson to be well into decline by the time this team is in a position to contend. I think it's best to stand put right now and let Ben Johnson work his magic on this team, which I expect to take at least 2 years.
This is probably the sober take. Sometimes I just want to get Bears-drunk though. I am intrigued by the comparison to the Khalil Mack trade. Mack singlehandedly changed that defense and, if they had a better QB (or kicker) really could have made a deep run. Even though that trade cost a lot more, it showed that a single difference maker on defense can cause a cascading impact, as teams scheme for that elite player and create opportunities for other players to excel.
I immediately thought of Mack when I heard about Hendrickson. It was almost an instant turn around. I'm not sure Hendrickson is as good as Mack was, but for a 3rd I'd be willing to find out.
 
Top 5 Cut candidates with post June-1st cap savings

OG Ryan Bates - 3.5m
DT Zach Pickens - 1.3m
WR Tyler Scott - 1.0m
DL Dominque Robinson - 1.1m
LB Noah Sewell - 1.0m

Almost 8 mil right there. Id be fine bringing Bates back at the vet min.
 
I felt good about the over on 8.5 win going into the schedule release. For some reason I don't feel as good about it now. I like getting the commanders coming off the bye week, but weeks 8/9 back to back away games against good teams will be tough. If we can start 5-3, I think they will have a winning season.

Chicago Bears regular season schedule 2025​

  • Week 1: Monday, Sept. 8, vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
  • Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 14, at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 21, vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 28 at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
  • Week 5: BYE WEEK
  • Week 6: Monday, Oct. 13, at Washington Commanders, 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN
  • Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 19, vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 26 at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
  • Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 2, at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
  • Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 9, vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 16, at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 23 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m. ET CBS
  • Week 13: Friday, Nov. 28, at Philadelphia Eagles, 3 p.m. ET, Prime Video
  • Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 7, at Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 14, vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
  • Week 16: Saturday, Dec. 20, vs. Green Bay Packers, Time TBD, FOX
  • Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 28, at San Francisco 49ers, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
  • Week 18: Saturday/Sunday, Jan. 3/4, vs. Detroit Lions, Time TBD, TV channel TBD
Weeks 1-5 (3-1)
Weeks 6-9 (5-3)
Weeks 10-14 (7-6)
Weeks 15-18 (9-8)
 
Interesting schedule. Some games that "should" be nice wins and certainly some complexities around the AFC central games, the NFC east games and the last 5 weeks. And then there are the division games. Good to see them kickoff the season with two straight in the division. First time ever in Vegas. Thankfully no international games.

Would love to see some revenge games vs Packers, Washington, Vikings, Saints, SF and Eagles. Definitely would love to see them pound two of the NFL "darlings" - the Ravens and Steelers. Frankly - the Packers, Saints, Eagles and Redskins have just been slapping the Bears around and it's high time the tide turns.

Week 11 forward is going to test this team especially when one considers an early bye week. They could be getting Rogers in that Pitt game and playing the Packers 2 out of 3 weeks is going to be nerve wracking especially with huge games coming in at SF and home vs Lions to wrap the season.
 
Thuney extended for 2 years, $35M. He was getting $16M for 2025, now he's under contract for 3 years, $51M, with $33.5M gtd.

This is an amazing deal for the Bears if Thuney keeps performing the way that he has been. Taking into account his age and the Bears now being on the hook for his 2026 salary even if he hits the age cliff this year, it's still a very good deal for the Bears.

We don't have contract details so possibly it's slightly less good for the team than it sounds. The Bears keep doing front-loaded extension that are more generous than they sound, because there's a penalty for cutting the player early. TJ Edwards got a 2-year $20M extension for 2026-2027 which will cost Chicago $10M/yr for 2 years or $11.5M for 1 year, and the 1-year Jonah Jackson extension was even more generous with early guarantees.

Kyler Gordon is the Bears' 6th big signing this offseason, all for between $13M-$18M/yr. By APY:

$17.5M/yr G Jonah Jackson, Trade+Extension, 3 yr $52.5M
$16M/yr G Joe Thuney, Trade, 1 yr $16M
$16M/yr DE Dayo Odeyingbo, FA, $3 yr $48M
$14.3M/yr DT Grady Jarrett, FA, 3 yr $42.8M
$14M/yr C Drew Dalman, FA, 3 yr $42M
$13.3M/yr SCB Kyler Gordon, Extension, 3 yr $40M

I basically like 3 of these moves for the Bears and basically don't like the other 3. What it comes down to is that I think that 3 of these guys are good players (Thuney, Dalman, Gordon) and the other 3 are averageish players (Jackson, Odeyingbo, Jarrett). Though the Thuney trade is borderline if they don't extend him, because $16M plus a 4th round pick is a lot to give for one season.
 

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