It is very early, but the 2025 Chicago Bears will likely be defined by two moves this offseason: Drafting tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the draft and signing free-agent defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo to a three-year, $48 million deal.
Drafting Loveland has the fingerprint of new head coach Ben Johnson all over it. Loveland has drawn comparisons to Sam LaPorta, a tight end he coached over the last two seasons, following the Detroit Lions' first-round draft pick of him out of Iowa in 2023.
At 6-foot-6 and 248 pounds, he brings a rare blend of size, athleticism, and route-running polish that has drawn comparisons to elite tight ends. In addition, Johnson often employs a 12-personnel formation—one running back and two tight ends, which means Loveland and Cole Kmet will be featured together a lot this upcoming season.
Can Colston Loveland justify his high selection?
Still, as the left tackle position remains problematic entering this season, some may see Loveland as a luxury pick.
It did not help that this year's draft did not break towards the Bears either. LSU's Will Campbell was taken third overall by the New England Patriots despite the small arms concern. Armand Membou from Missouri went seventh overall to the New York Jets, and Kelvin Banks Jr. from the University of Texas was taken one spot before the Bears by the New Orleans Saints.
The Bears selected Ozzy Trapilo in the second round from Boston College, who looked strong out of the gate, while Braxton Jones missed all of OTAs as he was recovering from a serious knee injury. However, general manager Ryan Poles admitted he hit the "proverbial rookie wall", and he was given snaps at right tackle where he looked better toward the end of the training. That opened the door for second-year offensive lineman Theo Benedet, a former undrafted free agent from Canada, who has emerged as a surprise contender.
Although he has yet to make it official, Johnson might have no choice but to name Jones the starter due to his starting experience, even though his performance in the preseason was not impressive. Jones is a serviceable player, but not someone who will ever be an All-Pro left tackle. Johnson will have to make it work with what he has this season.
Odeyingbo’s signing has not solve the pass rush yet
Meanwhile, Odeyingbo is a big defensive end that the defensive coordinator Dennis Allen prefers in his scheme. While the former Colt brings size, versatility, and flashes of disruptive play, his production—just three sacks in 2024—hasn’t inspired confidence that he can be a consistent edge threat.
Early reports from minicamp have only added to the concern. Odeyingbo reportedly struggled to stand out, while fourth-year defensive end Dominique Robinson took first-team reps. For a player signed to a significant contract, Odeyingbo’s slow start is troubling.
Even with the addition of Odeyingbo and veteran Grady Jarrett, the Bears’ pass rush remains thin. Behind Sweat and Odeyingbo, there’s little proven depth, especially with Austin Booker going on IR after suffering an injury in a preseason game against Buffalo. Booker was having a strong training camp, and his injury put the cold water on any hope of an improved pass-rush early on.
Loveland and Odeyingbo will be under intense scrutiny in 2025
Both Loveland and Odeyingbo will be under intense scrutiny all season. Their success—or lack thereof—will be judged not only by their individual performances, but also by the performance of both the offensive and defensive line. The Bears fans will openly criticize general manager Ryan Poles for the missed opportunities associated with their acquisitions if Jones, or whoever starts at left tackle, falters or the pass rush remains toothless.
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For Ryan Poles, his three-year record as the Bears' general manager is only 15-36. He can’t afford to miss either move as he looks to turn around the team in the ultra-competitive NFC North. He is praying that both Loveland and Odeyingbo are worth the gamble as they are seen as a better fit for Johnson and Allen's scheme.