The Chicago Bears have seamlessly done all the right things in the offseason to improve the roster and coaching staff for the 2025 season.
It began with hiring Ben Johnson as the head coach and transforming the franchise's culture. That was added with the overhaul to the offense to give their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, the tools needed to succeed.
A revamped offensive line and some additional young pieces added in the NFL Draft have given Bears fans something to be excited about. All that work doesn't mean everyone will believe Chicago is a playoff team.
Bears left off of Pro Football Network's playoff predictions
Pro Football Network writer Jacob Infante shared his playoff predictions for the 2025 NFL season. There's just one problem: the Bears didn't make it. Instead, Infante likes the Detroit Lions to win the NFC North and the Green Bay Packers to take the sixth seed.
It's easy to write off the Bears after a disappointing four-year stretch marked by no postseason appearances, but the offseason moves made should have changed the team's mindset. Chicago's focus on fixing the offensive line, which allowed a league-high 68 sacks in 2024, and adding size to the defensive line paid off.
The Bears brought in left guard Joe Thuney, center Drew Dalman, and right guard Jonah Jackson via trade or free agency to protect the interior of the line. On defense, defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett will help in pass-rushing situations.
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Chicago's 2025 NFL Draft was busy with four selections in the first two rounds. First-round pick tight end Colston Loveland and second-round pick wide receiver Luther Burden III give Williams more weapons to throw to on offense. The rest of the second round had offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo and defensive tackle Shemar Turner add youth and size on each side of the ball.
If these moves weren't enough to entice those in the media to believe in the Bears honestly, it leaves the question of what else can be done. It all comes down to how Williams performs in 2025 and whether he can live up to the hype as the number one overall pick from last year.