It’s been an offseason of change for the Chicago Bears, with new head coach Ben Johnson’s plans quickly being put into action by general manager Ryan Poles. Quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season, and only two NFL teams allowed more yards per attempt against the run in 2024.
The Bears have aggressively addressed both problems, revamping their offensive line and reinforcing the defensive front. Those moves helped the Bears earn an impressive offseason grade from PFSN’s Brandon Austin, surpassing all three of their NFC North rivals.
What Kind of Culture is Ben Johnson Building in Chicago?
The Bears didn’t hold back in pursuing roster improvements. After trading for veteran offensive linemen Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney, Chicago secured former Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman in free agency.
They continued to bolster the line in the draft by selecting Boston College tackle Ozzy Trapilo in the second round. As a result, four of the team’s five projected starters on the offensive line in 2025 will likely be new additions.
The Bears also made a notable defensive move, signing veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett to solidify their interior defensive line. Jarrett may line up alongside defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, who also arrived through free agency.
In a draft filled with talented defensive tackle prospects, the Bears further reinforced their line by selecting Shemar Turner in the second round, just six picks after Trapilo.
Before adding Trapilo and Turner, Chicago drafted tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III in the first and second rounds, respectively.
Colston Loveland is a fantastic pick.
-6’5 / 250 lbs
– 4.54 – 40
– He’s a natural separator
– Elite route runner
– Great pass catcher
– And he’s a DAWG
pic.twitter.com/9KMNDzmqI7— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) April 25, 2025
After taking clear steps to better protect Williams, the Bears quickly found two dynamic pass catchers early in the draft. Making four picks in the first two rounds clearly aligns with the aggressive strategy guiding their offseason.
Johnson notably called out Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur in an early press conference, establishing an aggressive tone for his tenure in Chicago. Selecting high-energy players like Loveland and Burden reflects Johnson’s intent to build a bold, competitive culture—a move that should excite Bears fans.
Bears Receive A- Grade for Offseason Work
All of this aggressive roster-building hasn’t gone unnoticed. Austin credited the Bears with the best offseason performance in the NFC North, specifically highlighting moves designed to help Williams thrive in his second season. He also drew comparisons to one of Johnson’s former Detroit Lions playmakers:
“Johnson is one of the league’s top play-callers, and his presence could help maximize Williams’ potential in the NFL. General manager Ryan Poles also made it a priority to set his young quarterback up for success. The Bears’ offensive line finished last season as a middle-of-the-pack unit (14th in OL+), but Poles added three new starters on the interior, which should help elevate this offense.”
He continued to say, “Chicago also added a couple of big-time offensive playmakers through the draft in tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Loveland has the tools to be an instant upgrade over Cole Kmet. Johnson worked his magic with Sam LaPorta in Detroit, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see similar success with the explosive Loveland.”
Only time will tell whether Johnson will achieve success in Chicago. While he’s a gifted play caller, Johnson now faces broader responsibilities in the Windy City. Nonetheless, there should be cautious optimism around the Bears heading into 2025.
Chicago Bears 2025 Schedule Highlights Early Tests
The NFL has released the Bears’ 2025 schedule, and it includes several marquee matchups that will quickly test Johnson’s restructured roster. Chicago opens the season against division rival Minnesota, immediately renewing their heated NFC North rivalry.
Early-season matchups against playoff-caliber teams, including the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, provide a good barometer for the Bears’ offseason improvements.
Chicago will need its newly revamped offensive line to gel quickly against defenses that ranked among the league’s best in 2024.
Additionally, midseason contests against AFC powerhouses like the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens present significant hurdles. These games will be crucial benchmarks in evaluating whether Johnson’s aggressive culture and roster transformation have put the Bears on the path to playoff contention.
