The Chicago Bears open OTAs this week, with a lot of attention on this year's team to see whether they will be Super Bowl contenders or just another participant in the postseason.
While there are a ton of storylines to monitor at OTAs, there are a few players the Bears fan base will need to watch as well to see how they do. Whether it's a player that's poised for a breakout season or just needs to bounce back or even make a good first impression on his new team, there are five that fit that category well.
Luther Burden III, WR
The buzz this offseason is for real with Burden, as everyone is expecting big things from him in 2026 after a solid end to his rookie season. Burden's deep threat potential and elevated spot on the depth chart have given everyone the chance to express their belief that 2026 is a breakout season for him. Bears fans hope everyone is right that he and Rome Odunze can perform well and help their quarterback elevate his game.
Braxton Jones, LT
Left tackle is arguably the most important position for the Bears' fan base to monitor since Ozzy Trapilo won't be starting at it for the 2026 campaign. Jones is in the same spot as Burden, with a lot of buzz around him and the way he has attacked the offseason. Since he is the favorite to win the left tackle spot, he will be a guy to watch to see if he actually improves his game.
Dillon Thieneman, S
It's always fascinating to watch a first-round pick go through OTAs for the first time with high expectations being set for rookie Dillon Thieneman. He will be taking over at one of the starting safety spots alongside Coby Bryant for what could be at least the next four to five years. Thieneman has a ton of versatility to him that Bears fans want to see early on, so the hope is that he will get off to a fast start.
Austin Booker, EDGE
Booker is coming off a 4.5-sack season for the Bears, as he played the last half of the season coming off his injury. Bears fans have been critical of the team not doing anything at edge rusher in the offseason, but Booker gave the franchise a reason to believe that he can take a big next step in his development in 2026. A lot of eyes are going to be on him to see how he performs on the field.
Read more: Former NFL executive just told Bears fans what they are bracing for in 2026
Caleb Williams, QB
Williams performed better than Bears fans expected in his first season and has been pleased with his progression under head coach Ben Johnson. Now, Williams needs to improve upon the accuracy that saw him at just 58% in 2025. More is going to be put on his place as he enters the next chapter of his NFL career, with Year 3 being the one that might thrust him into the MVP conversation.
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