The Chicago Bears have major upside on offense, but their defense is a different story.
With training camp coming up, expect big things from their tight ends, but don't hold your breath for the pass rush.
Best and worst positions on the Chicago Bears
Best: Tight ends
The tight ends in Chicago are, at the very least, among the top five in the entire NFL. Chicago drafted a stud in 2020 when they selected Cole Kmet. He was a starter for four years, with his best year in 2023. Since then, his numbers have dipped, but it's not necessarily his fault. The Bears had a disastrous 2024, as Caleb Williams was constantly sacked, which left few offensive opportunities. Then, last season, Chicago struck gold again by drafting another tight end.
When the Bears passed on Tyler Warren at the 2025 NFL Draft and selected Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick, fans were upset. But a year later, Loveland is considered the No. 1 tight end in his second-year with the Bears. He finished his rookie campaign leading the team with 58 receptions, 713 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
Next to them is Sam Roush, whom the Bears selected with the No. 69 pick in this year's draft and just signed his rookie contract. He won't live up to the hands Kmet and Loveland have, but Chicago will find use for him with blocking. Head Coach Ben Johnson uses tight ends as blockers in his 13 personnel sets. When Kmet had fewer touches last season, it was his blocking that kept him on the field, and the same could be true for Roush.
Having two tight ends that could individually be stars on other teams makes this position group the best for the Bears. These players are versatile and will be a point of attack for every other team.
Worst: Pass rush
Montez Sweat isn't included in the worst parts here because he certainly isn't the problem. It's having someone else next to him. Last year, Sweat had 10 sacks in 17 games. The other options the Bears have besides him are Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker.
Odeyingbo is coming off his worst season in his six NFL seasons. He had only one sack in eight games before he sustained a season-ending Achilles injury. The year before, he played for the Colts and didn't do much better. The veteran had only three sacks in 17 games, so it's safe to say he's becoming a bust. Odeyingbo will have the opportunity to redeem himself this season, but if history has shown anything, that isn't likely.
When Odeyingbo got hurt, Booker stepped into the role and will also be competing for the spot opposite Sweat. In Booker's 10 games, he was more impactful, recording 4.5 sacks. He's in his third season in the NFL, meaning he's still on his rookie contract. Odeyingbo is on a big three-year, $48 million contract, so if he can't win the starting spot, the Bears need to drop him.
Read more: Bears rookie's biggest impact might be at a position he wasn't picked to play
Even with the highs and lows of this Chicago team, they're in good shape. Fans should be concerned about the pass rush, but if Booker gets the starting job, he has more upside.
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