Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums
This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
***Chicago Bears Thread*** Ben Johnson hired. The Resurrection Begins! (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter flapgreen
- Start date
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
The whole draft was .
calcinorjones
Footballguy
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:
Away: Lions, Packers, Vikings, Eagles, Commanders, 49ers, Ravens, Bengals, Raiders
If I am not mistaken 3 seasons in a row at Washington?
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, SteelersAway: Lions, Packers, Vikings, Eagles, Commanders, 49ers, Ravens, Bengals, Raiders
If I am not mistaken 3 seasons in a row at Washington?
ZWK
Footballguy
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.
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.
Last edited:
ZWK
Footballguy
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
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
Last edited:
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?
Max Power
Footballguy
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.
InDitkaWeTrust
Footballguy
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.
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.
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.
Statorama
Footballguy
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.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
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.
Max Power
Footballguy
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.
Weeks 6-9 (5-3)
Weeks 10-14 (7-6)
Weeks 15-18 (9-8)
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 6-9 (5-3)
Weeks 10-14 (7-6)
Weeks 15-18 (9-8)
InDitkaWeTrust
Footballguy
Got tickets to see them trounce the Steelers in week 12! Can't wait!
calcinorjones
Footballguy
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.
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.
ZWK
Footballguy
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.
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.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
How the hell do you not start Caleb Williams for at least two drives. Sweet Jesus, even Tua is playing.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
Well, at least the Bagent truthers should simmer down after these first two drives.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
At least the defensive line has looked good. That's about it though.
Miami take: our oline has looked bad in short yardage. Rookie guard Jonah Savaiinaea and fill-in RT Borom especially.
Monangai has some pop.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
Thanks for that. I don't have much interest in Miami outside of Achane in FF so I haven't followed them much this offseason.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
Well, the d-line play was certainly encouraging. Other than that we're not going to know much about this team until Caleb plays.
calcinorjones
Footballguy
I liked the way the QBs and RBs played as well. Mostly good. Monangai looked solid. Secondary was wishy washy. STs was lousy. Dolphins were consistently getting strong FP. Things need to be shored up with STs for sure.
Max Power
Footballguy
The process looked sharp yesterday. It's only pre-season, but it feels more organized under Johnson. Both QBs looked good.
I'm VERY concerned about the Terrell Smith injury. He was a decent #4 CB who could start in a pinch. Now I don't know where the Bears turn. Johnson still isn't 100% and Gordon belongs in the nickel role. I really feel like they need to make a call or pick up a training camp cut.
I'm not sure who makes the team as WR6. Moore, Rome, LBIII, OZ, and Duvernay make it. Scott, Alexander, Toure, and Walker have all flashed. I've soured on Scott, but he'd be 1M cap saving if released.
I'd love to find a team to swap Scott for a CB.
I'm VERY concerned about the Terrell Smith injury. He was a decent #4 CB who could start in a pinch. Now I don't know where the Bears turn. Johnson still isn't 100% and Gordon belongs in the nickel role. I really feel like they need to make a call or pick up a training camp cut.
I'm not sure who makes the team as WR6. Moore, Rome, LBIII, OZ, and Duvernay make it. Scott, Alexander, Toure, and Walker have all flashed. I've soured on Scott, but he'd be 1M cap saving if released.
I'd love to find a team to swap Scott for a CB.
InDitkaWeTrust
Footballguy
Any word so far on Booker? From all accounts, he was having a solid camp.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
Jeez, the defense looks awful. I know it's Mahomes, but they are getting embarrassed.
calcinorjones
Footballguy
They look like last year’s hot mess but not sure if they are sitting starters on defense
calcinorjones
Footballguy
Very concerning
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
Nope. It seems like the line isn't clicking yet. Lots of penalties.
Max Power
Footballguy
TB17 is clutch...lol
Feeding Odunze, especially in the red zone, is a good sign for some of us. I drafted him as my #3 WR expecting improvement from 2024 with Allen gone, a new coach, and better oline for more downfield passing. Two new quality weapons is a concern. He had several quality highlight catches last year, but also drops. Is he a better athlete than WR?
I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up as the #1 receiving weapon, or #3 behind DJ and the combined TE total. Williams has the arm talent to elevate either DJ or Rome to top 15 WR. Rome is cheaper, WR ECR 20 vs 34.
I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up as the #1 receiving weapon, or #3 behind DJ and the combined TE total. Williams has the arm talent to elevate either DJ or Rome to top 15 WR. Rome is cheaper, WR ECR 20 vs 34.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
My worry is Rome isn't making the tough catches in the games. We see him do it all the time in practice.
I remember watching him in college and it looked like the dude had gorilla glue on his hands. If it was anywhere near him, consider it caught.
Max Power
Footballguy
Made the 53!
InDitkaWeTrust
Footballguy
Kinda bummed Ian Wheeler was waived today. He's such a good story and seems like a great kid. Hopefully he clears waivers and can hop back on the practice squad for a 2nd season. Or maybe he just goes ahead and takes his deferred admission into medical school. He might be the making of a great sports orthopedic surgeon!
Max Power
Footballguy
Talk me off the ledge here gents. I'm overreacting to one week surely, but my gut is unsettled. I thought this train was moving in the right direction and the Bears were in a good spot to win 9 games this year. Now I'm wondering if we're clearly the worst team in the division.
I still like Ben Johnson and think he'll be fine as a HC. He needs to learn like everyone else. I'm very worried about Poles.
Why is it so frustrating to be a Bears fan
I still like Ben Johnson and think he'll be fine as a HC. He needs to learn like everyone else. I'm very worried about Poles.
Why is it so frustrating to be a Bears fan
calcinorjones
Footballguy
Its tough for sure. 40 years of mostly mediocre football. The organization looks to be moving in the right direction but the tentacles of old school Bear’s football run deep hampering the development of a modern day team. I mean this is an organization that doesn’t have cheerleaders and plays on a field that is trash. It takes time. Poles made a decision to burn top picks on offensive playmakers to bolster the passing game foregoing top picks to fix the OL. Frankly, both lines leaned on free agency with attempts to backfill in the draft. The early results are showing the potential for a lackluster running game. Maybe the DL has improved.
For the running game challenges- Is it the line? Swift? Combo of both? If they can’t run they can’t control the clock, wear down opposing defenses, and they force CW into throwing downs. If this is the pattern and CW cannot step up, what is poles going to do? Long way to go but this team has a tough schedule and GB is already 2-0 in the division and the conference and a Bears loss to Detroit puts them at 0-2 in the division. I think the defense will be fine - good, not great but they will keep them in games especially if they get back some key players from injury. The offense is the wild card. My take on the offense points to weak links on the line and running back room. Too many plug and pray linemen and young players that need development. No true sledge hammer running game. This week is crucial. A win in Detroit is what they need but can they pull it off?
For the running game challenges- Is it the line? Swift? Combo of both? If they can’t run they can’t control the clock, wear down opposing defenses, and they force CW into throwing downs. If this is the pattern and CW cannot step up, what is poles going to do? Long way to go but this team has a tough schedule and GB is already 2-0 in the division and the conference and a Bears loss to Detroit puts them at 0-2 in the division. I think the defense will be fine - good, not great but they will keep them in games especially if they get back some key players from injury. The offense is the wild card. My take on the offense points to weak links on the line and running back room. Too many plug and pray linemen and young players that need development. No true sledge hammer running game. This week is crucial. A win in Detroit is what they need but can they pull it off?
InDitkaWeTrust
Footballguy
As an eternal optimist, I think some patience needs to be extended here. We have a 1st year head coach who's shown promise, a 2nd year QB (under his 3rd head coach) and a group of young, promising players on both sides of the ball. As I mentioned earlier in the thread, I expect there to be some ups and downs this season. 9-8 or 8-9 is likely. 2026 will be the watershed season.
Encyclopedia Brown
Footballguy
Jake Moody, welcome to Chicago.
It seems Ben Johnson was not pleased about the lack of a touchback late in the 4th quarter. The Bears lost 7 seconds, plus the two-minute warning with the Vikings taking the kick out past the 20 yard line.
It seems Ben Johnson was not pleased about the lack of a touchback late in the 4th quarter. The Bears lost 7 seconds, plus the two-minute warning with the Vikings taking the kick out past the 20 yard line.
Deranged Hermit
Not cool & Pissed
Moody was nails in college. I have a hard time believing he forgot how to kick in, what, three years time?
Max Power
Footballguy
I'm revising my win total to 5 games. The Bears are the worst team in the NFC North. I thought 3-3 in the division was a good bet, but I don't see them as a favorite to win any of the rest this year.
Probably more talented than the Raiders, Saints and Browns.
Toss up against Cowboys, Giants, Bengals (without Burrow), Steelers
Taking the L - Ravens, Eagles, 49ers
Probably more talented than the Raiders, Saints and Browns.
Toss up against Cowboys, Giants, Bengals (without Burrow), Steelers
Taking the L - Ravens, Eagles, 49ers
Max Power
Footballguy
I'm done giving Poles the benefit of the doubt any longer. I kept justifying the little things I didn't agree with because I thought there was a vision/plan.
Passing on a RB for players who don't play is inexcusable. Can't run a play action offense when you can't run the ball. This is simple football ****.
Passing on a RB for players who don't play is inexcusable. Can't run a play action offense when you can't run the ball. This is simple football ****.
