4 min read Spotlight

Chicago Bears 2025 Depth Chart: Post-Draft Breakdown

Chicago Bears 2025 Depth Chart: Post-Draft Breakdown

With the 2025 NFL Draft in the books, the Chicago Bears are entering a new era built around youth, speed, and optimism. Under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are expected to lean heavily on their revamped offense and promising rookie class as they prepare for a pivotal season.

Offense

Quarterback

  • Starter: Caleb Williams
  • Backups: Case Keenum, Tyson Bagent, Austin Reed

Caleb Williams is heading into his first full offseason and is a firmly established starter. Tyson Bagent, who has served as the backup since his rookie year, remains in the mix, but the arrival of veteran Case Keenum adds both a seasoned presence in the locker room and reliable depth should the team need it.

Running Back

  • Starter: D’Andre Swift
  • Backups: Roschon Johnson, Kyle Monangai
  • Other: Travis Homer, Ian Wheeler

It was unexpected that the Bears waited until the seventh round to select a running back, ultimately choosing Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai. However, it appears they made attempts earlier in the draft. GM Ryan Poles acknowledged that the draft board didn’t always align in their favor, potentially referencing targets like Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, or Cam Skattebo. For now, that bodes well for D’Andre Swift, who stays atop the depth chart, followed by Roschon Johnson and Monangai. Still, with free agency an option, the backfield situation is likely still evolving.

Wide Receiver

  • Starters: DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III
  • Backups: Olamide Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay, Miles Boykin
  • Other: Tyler Scott, Maurice Alexander, Samori Toure, John Jackson

Wide receiver wasn’t a primary need for Chicago, but the draft board broke perfectly, allowing them to land first-round talent Luther Burden III. Burden, who has drawn comparisons to Jameson Williams—a player Ben Johnson coached in Detroit—adds another dynamic option to the offense. DJ Moore and Rome Odunze remain the established starters and will continue developing their rapport with Caleb Williams, but Burden is expected to play a key role as an additional playmaker

Tight End

  • Starters: Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland
  • Backup: Durham Smythe

The Bears struck gold with Colston Loveland at 10th overall, securing a top-tier talent to pair with Cole Kmet. Loveland brings elite athleticism, sharp route-running, and reliable hands to the tight end room. With Ben Johnson’s affinity for two-tight-end formations, the combination of Kmet and Loveland could pose serious challenges for opposing defenses

Offensive Line

  • Left tackle: Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie
  • Left guard: Joe Thuney, Bill Murray, Jordan McFadden, Chris Glaser
  • Center: Drew Dalman, Luke Newman, Doug Kramer, Ricky Stromberg
  • Right guard: Jonah Jackson, Ryan Bates, Theo Benedet
  • Right tackle: Darnell Wright, Ozzy Trapilo, Joshua Miles

Chicago completely revamped its interior offensive line this offseason, bringing in guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson through trades, and signing center Drew Dalman in free agency. The Bears also added depth in the draft with tackle Ozzy Trapilo and guard Luke Newman. Trapilo has experience at both tackle spots, but for now, he’ll slot in as Darnell Wright’s backup on the right side. Newman offers flexibility with the ability to play both guard and center and is currently positioned behind Dalman at center as the team evaluates his best fit.

Defense

Defensive Line

  • Starters:
  • DE: Montez Sweat
  • DT: Grady Jarret
  • DT: Gervon Dexter
  • DE: Dayo Odeyingbo
  • Backups: Dominique Robinson (DE), Jamree Kromah (DE), Chris Williams (DT), Zacch Pickens (DT), Jonathan Ford (DT)

The Bears boosted their pass rush by signing Dayo Odeyingbo, but still need more production alongside Montez Sweat. Austin Booker must develop as a rotational piece, and the team may explore adding a veteran or shifting interior players outside. Inside, the addition of Grady Jarrett and rookie Shemar Turner strengthens a group that struggled after Andrew Billings’ injury last season. Expect a key rotation featuring Jarrett, Turner, Billings, and Gervon Dexter.

Linebackers

  • Starters: T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds
  • Reserves: Noah Sewell, Ruben Hyppolite II, Amen Ogbongbemiga
  • Other: Swayze Bozeman, Carl Jone

The linebacker group remains largely intact, with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds continuing to anchor the unit. However, the Bears will feel the absence of Jack Sanborn, who wasn’t retained as a restricted free agent. To help fill that gap, Chicago drafted Ruben Hyppolite II in the fourth round. He’ll compete for a spot in the rotation alongside former fifth-rounder Noah Sewell and special teams standout Amen Ogbongbemiga as the team looks to solidify its depth

Cornerback

  • Starters: Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon (NCB)

Cornerback might be the deepest and most talented position group on the roster. Jaylon Johnson, fresh off his second Pro Bowl appearance, anchors a unit that includes Kyler Gordon—recently extended—and Tyrique Stevenson, who’s looking to bounce back after a rough second year. The Bears also added rookie Zah Frazier, a standout during the pre-draft process who impressed Al Harris and will push Stevenson for snaps.

Safety

  • Starters: Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker
  • Reserves: Jonathan Owens, Elijah Hicks
  • Other: Tarvarius Moore, Alex Coo
  • Reserves: Terell Smith, Zah Frazier, Josh Blackwell (NCB), Nick McCloud, Ameer Speed, Shaun Wade, Nahshon Wright

Chicago's starting safeties are locked in with Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker, both heading into the final year of their contracts. Byard was a standout performer on defense last season, while Brisker looks to bounce back after missing most of the year due to a concussion suffered in Week 5. Behind them, Jonathan Owens and Elijah Hicks remain valuable depth options and core special teams players.

Special Teams

  • Kicker: Cairo Santos
  • Punter: Tory Taylor
  • Long Snapper: Scott Daly

The Bears bring back their starting special teams unit with kicker Cairo Santos, punter Tory Taylor and long snapper Scott Daly. Daly stepped up last season to replace Patrick Scales (back surgery) and even earned a one-year contract extension this offseason.

Season Outlook

The 2025 Bears look radically different from the team they fielded just a year ago. With Caleb Williams taking charge and major upgrades on both sides of the ball, the team appears poised to take a step forward. If the rookies can develop quickly and Ben Johnson installs his offensive vision effectively, Chicago could be a sleeper pick in the NFC.

Johnny Gilmour

Johnny Gilmour

Canada