The Bears had a foundation of solid players before Ben Johnson was hired. The franchise’s (relatively) new head coach didn’t therefore enter into a start-from-scratch rebuild. A few smart investments and some good coaching could make the Bears competitive in a flash.

The last sentence’s key word: Could. The Bears have to earn all of it, and the transition to Johnson won’t always be easy.

RELATED CONTENT:

• NFL mock draft 2025: Bears’ seven-round picks include Will Campbell
• Caleb Williams ascent is key to making Bears free agency moves work
• Bair Mail: On Ashton Jeanty, Cam Skattebo, Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles pro day circuit
• How Bears stack up in NFC North following NFL free agency moves

Having so many established veterans and some quality young players on rookie deals provides a talent foundation that was enhanced by post-Johnson-hire trades and free-agent signings.  

While the NFL Draft’s on the horizon and some minor free-agent moves may still trickle in, you could comfortably write down a starting lineup worthy of playing regular-season game right now.

While it’s always a bit silly to do so in April, before Johnson has conducted a single practice or offseason program meeting, it proves a point that they Bears aren’t that far off. Also, don’t etch this lineup in stone. While it seems logical, camp competitions will happen. Coaches will have lineup preferences the previous staff didn’t, and the draft picks will have something to say about how the NFL roles shake out.

But will establish a baseline now – knowing full well it will change some – and then discuss how the draft could help shore up some weaknesses.

Way-too-early Bears starting lineup

OFFENSE

• QB: Caleb Williams
• RB: D’Andre Swift, Roshon Johnson
• WR: DJ Moore
• LT: Braxton Jones
• LG: Joe Thuney
• C: Drew Dalman
• RG: Jonah Jackson
• RT: Darnell Wright
• TE: Cole Kmet, Durham Smythe
• SLOT: Olamide Zaccheaus
• WR: Rome Odunze

DEFENSE

• DE: Montez Sweat
• NT: Andrew Billings
• DT: Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter (sub package)
• DE: Dayo Odeyingbo
• WLB: T.J. Edwards
• MLB: Tremaine Edmunds
• SLB: Noah Sewell
• CB: Jaylon Johnson
• S: Kevin Byard III
• S: Jaquan Brisker
• SCB: Kyler Gordon
• CB: Tyrique Stevenson/Terell Smith

SPECIALISTS

• K: Cairo Santos
• P: Tory Taylor
• LS: Scott Daly
• KR/PR: Devin Duvernay

How the NFL Draft can help

Running back: The Bears could operate well with D’Andre Swift and Roshon Johnson, but Ben Johnson could also take a runner with a high draft pick and change the backfield’s complexion. Ashton Jeanty at No. 10 would qualify, as would some top second-round selections. A rookie running back’s capable of making an instant impact. It’s a real possibility the Bears add a rusher who could take significant snaps in 2025.

Offensive tackle: The starting five sure seems set, but we don’t know Braxton Jones health status – though he was out of a walking boot recently – following a season-ending ankle injury. We also don’t know Johnson’s opinion of him or whether he seeks an immediate upgrade or an heir apparent. The Bears have added tons of help up front, but still might quest after more.

Tight end: Cole Kmet is a talented player who makes a significant salary. Could the Bears still add a talented receiving tight end? I think so. The Lions played tons of 12 personnel under Ben Johnson, and there were plenty of tight-end targets and snaps to go around. Adding a dynamic talent isn’t a must, but it could make the Bears offense a whole lot better.

Defensive end: Ryan Poles made it clear earlier this month: you can never have enough pass rushers. The Bears have quality starters in Dayo Odeyingbo and Montez Sweat, but the pass rush comes in waves. Adding a top draft pick with the size Dennis Allen prefers – Georgia’s Mykel Williams, anyone? — to be impactful in the subpackage or as a rotational piece could help the Bears create steady pressure on opposing quarterbacks that has been lacking in recent seasons.  

Linebackers: The Bears could use a primary strongside linebacker after Jack Sanborn’s departure, a player that could come from the middle rounds of the NFL draft. There’s depth required here, too, with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds on the back end of their contracts. Off-the-ball linebackers are key in Allen’s scheme, both in run defense and as blitzers. The Bears have two three-down options, but for how much longer?

Safety: Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker are an excellent starting pair, but Brisker’s concussion history suggests a quality backup should be waiting in the wings in 2025. That individual could be helpful next season, after Byard’s contract is set to expire. There’s experienced depth here in Elijah Hicks and Jonathan Owens, but a young player might be an upgrade over the long term.

Submit your questions for next week’s Bair Mail right here!! 👇