Entering OTAs, there weren't many concerns about the Chicago Bears, as there was more curiosity on how the team would look after exceeding expectations in 2025 with their NFC North title and playoff win.
There were some encouraging signs from the defense that things might be able to get turned around under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Even on offense when everyone know how good they could be showed up in a big way.
One of the most impressive parts of the Bears was a young position group that stood out from the rest. It was one that, while didn't have a lot of concerns, definitely played better than expected.
Bears wide receiver room is looking stacked in 2026 and beyond
There were two massive standouts from the wide receiver room that had everyone's attention at minicamp: Luther Burden III and Zavion Thomas. Burden had his head coach, Ben Johnson, gushing over him to the point that he bought into the hype. While Bears general manager Ryan Poles sees Thomas as more of a special teams player, he made several highlight plays at OTAs that showed he's ready to play on offense now.
Rome Odunze is fully healthy and while he is working through the new normal of being healthy, he appears to already be in midseason form. Once training camp rolls around and Odunze can work on his chemisty with quarterback Caleb Williams, he might finally get his 1,000-yard season Bears fans have been waiting for.
Johnson also took time to praise new veteran Kalif Raymond, who he knows well from their time together with the Detroit Lions. Raymond is the new veteran stepping in for DJ Moore to bring that leadership presence to the room.
Bears fans can't forget about Jahdae Walker, who is riding the momentum from catching two touchdowns in the final three weeks of the regular season. Walker feels like he will be WR4 behind Odunze, Burden, and Raymond, but should have more of an impact on this offense in 2026.
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It wasn't that people doubted the wide receiver room, but the youth of the group had some pause on their excitement for the upcoming season. After what happened at OTAs, though, it's going to be very hard for them to keep pausing as those guys are going to be dangerous for a long time.
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