After giving up a league-high 68 sacks, leaving rookie quarterback Caleb Williams bruised and battered all season long, the Chicago Bears’ offensive line has undergone a dramatic transformation in just one off-season.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has faced heavy criticism for not adequately addressing the problem since he became the general manager in 2022. The notable additions Poles made were drafting left tackle Braxton Jones in the 5th round in 2022 and right tackle Darnell Wright 10th overall in 2023. The starting guards and center consisted of players who did not pan out elsewhere and undrafted rookies, etc.
This off-season, Poles and new head coach Ben Johnson made it a priority to fix the trenches. The result is a revamped interior featuring guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and center Drew Dalman. All three players are signed through 2027, aligning with Williams’ rookie contract and giving the Bears a stable foundation.
Their transformation was impressive enough to be ranked No. 4 in the NFL by Pro Football Focus (PFF) heading into the 2025 season. While some fans might be wary of such lofty rankings without a single game played, the ranking is a direct reflection of a new, aligned vision between Johnson and Poles.
The importance of Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles operating on the same wavelengths
The hiring of Ben Johnson has energized both the fan base and the Bears organization. Poles and Bears deserve credit for swinging for the fences and getting the top candidate rather than settling for uninspiring candidates like Matt Eberflus and John Fox in the past.
Johnson’s influence is already evident in the personnel choices, suggesting a strong collaborative relationship with Poles. This is what Johnson said after the acquisition of Thuney and Jackson.
"Beyond that, their play speaks for themselves in terms of what the tape says. The character, the integrity, it's top notch. I can speak firsthand with Jonah, and (general manager) Ryan (Poles) can speak firsthand with Joe. I'm really, really excited to get these guys in the room. Combined with the coaches that we've already put together for that room, I feel really good about the style of play we'll have this year."
Johnson and Poles appear to be in lockstep, building a roster that reflects Johnson's philosophy, and Poles is delivering on those promises. It was further evidenced during the draft when they selected tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, and offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo in the first two rounds.
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With a top-five offensive line, Williams is set up for a breakout sophomore season. The fans hope the Bears’ investment up front is a strong partnership between Johnson and Poles that has the Bears on the path towards sustained success, which has been missing for so long.