The Chicago Bears are preparing for one of the most anticipated seasons in team history. With a revamped roster filled with talent, it’s hard to picture the Bears not being in the playoff hunt next season. ESPN recently released the top ten players at 11 different positions based on surveys from the NFL’s top executives, coaches, and scouts. With nearly 80 votes for every position, what are some of the Bears’ player rankings among the league’s best?
Bears’ Player Rankings According To NFL Coaches & Executives
Linebacker
7. Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked Age: 26 | Last year’s ranking: 3
At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds with elite speed, Edmunds possesses the high-end traits that scouts love. And while Buffalo knocked him for his lack of splash plays over four seasons there, he delivered four interceptions in his first year in Chicago. “He’s the classic Tampa-2 Mike linebacker, the prototype for that role,” an NFL defensive coach said. “Better as a zone coverage player, a little light in the run game, not as physical as you’d like him to be but has serious range.” A knock against Edmunds: Multiple voters said fellow Chicago linebacker T.J. Edwards outplayed him in 2023.
T.J. Edwards, Chicago Bears (honorable mention) “He’s really good. Not a premier athlete, but he was one of Chicago’s best players last year.” — NFC exec
The Bears continue to have perennial linebackers holding down the middle of the defense. Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards were big-time acquisitions during free agency last season, proving to be valuable commodities for the Bears. Both are highly ranked among the league’s top linebackers by Pro Football Focus and complement each other’s playing styles. Edmunds is a physically gifted player who excels in any matchup. Conversely, Edwards’ knack for being at the right place at the right time makes up for his lack of athleticism. Oddly enough, Edwards was the better linebacker for the Bears last season despite Edmunds being paid substantially more, but the NFL world thinks otherwise.
Cornerback
8. Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: Unranked Age: 25 | Last year’s ranking: Unranked
Everything came together for Johnson, who earned a four-year, $76 million contract off the strength of a banner 2023. On 57 targets, Johnson allowed 33 receptions, 286 yards and one touchdown while making four interceptions, producing a 17.5% ball-hawk rate. No cornerback was hotter in the second half of the season. He was probably Chicago’s best overall player. It was a good thing the Bears didn’t trade him at the deadline as he requested. “Competitive corner with man traits and excellent zone vision,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “Physical in press and fluid at the break point. Showed more ball production last year. Only thing he lacks is top-end recovery speed.”
Jaylon Johnson made a significant impact last season, establishing himself as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks. However, ranking him 8th seems too low, considering he arguably had the best season at the cornerback position. According to PFF, Johnson was the highest-graded corner in coverage with a 91 rating, and because of that, he deserves more recognition.
Running Back
D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (honorable mention): Swift revitalized his career in Philadelphia with 1,049 rushing yards and a Pro Bowl nod. “Had the soft label [in Detroit] but overcame that,” an NFL running backs coach said. “[He’s] really elusive in space, burst, really good speed. [He] does a nice job catching out of the backfield.”
The Bears executed their plan swiftly, becoming the first team to make a move in free agency by signing D’Andre Swift to a lucrative three-year, $24 million contract. Fans got an inside look at how NFL coaches and executives view Swift in an episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks featuring the New York Giants. Giants’ Director of Pro Scouting, Chris Rossetti, commented on Swift’s abilities: “From an explosiveness standpoint. From a pass-game standpoint…he’s more of a package player.” Swift offers everything you could want out of a running back. He’s a proven asset in the backfield and will provide an extra edge on offense for the Bears.
This deep dive of D'Andre Swift by the NY Giants from Hard Knocks has me ready to run through a brick wall pic.twitter.com/OO24qo34nD
— Ficky (@itsfickybaby) July 3, 2024
Edge Rusher
Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears (honorable mention): Although Sweat didn’t join the Bears’ squad until late October, he still finished the season leading Chicago in sacks (six) and had four tackles for loss and three passes defensed. “His length and ability to cover ground creates problems for tackles. He lifted the Bears defense last year.”
The midseason acquisition of Montez Sweat dramatically transformed the Bears’ defense from one of the league’s worst to one of the best. In a short span with the team, Sweat became an immediate leader on defense, generating pressure the team was desperately searching for. With an entire offseason to mesh with the team, Sweat is poised to have another Pro Bowl-caliber season with the Bears.
Wide Receiver
DJ Moore, Chicago Bears (honorable mention): An underrated playmaker with four 1,000-yard seasons despite uneven quarterback play throughout his career. Gave Chicago a bona fide No. 1 option with 1,364 yards in 2023. “Has the ability to take a game completely over,” an NFL executive said.
At this point in D.J. Moore’s career, he should be considered a top-10 wide receiver. Moore has given the Bears an alpha wide receiver with elite run-after-the-catch ability and is an expert at beating man coverage. With more talent around him, Moore should shine with better support and quarterback play.
Tight End
Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (honorable mention): Kmet made a serious push for the top 10 with 73 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns, despite quarterback uncertainty in Chicago. “Very underrated,” an NFL personnel evaluator said. “We just don’t know a lot about him because of Chicago’s passing game. He’s solid all-around.”
Bears’ 2020 second-round pick, Cole Kmet, is still one of the more underrated tight ends in the league despite putting up career highs with subpar quarterback play. With just three dropped passes over the past two seasons, Kmet has become a reliable target for various Bears’ quarterbacks and has consistently improved his game during his time with the team. With a new running mate in Gerald Everett alleviating some pressure, Kmet is in for a massive season in this new era of Bears football.
Players Who Received Votes but Did Not Make the Top Ten or Honorable Mention
Jaquan Brisker, Safety
Darnell Wright, Offensive Tackle
Keenan Allen, Wide Receiver
Jaquan Brisker has been somewhat of an unknown up to this point, providing intensity on the field but often missing series due to injury. If Brisker can focus on staying healthy and staying on the field, he could become one of the best safeties in the NFL.
Conversely, Darnell Wright was on the field for 99.56% of the Bears’ offensive snaps last season. As a rookie, Wright held his own against some of the top pass rushers in the league. If he continues elevating his game, Wright can become the best offensive tackle in the league. He might even be considered the Bears’ offensive X-factor due to his reliability and importance to the team.
It’s hard leaving Keenan Allen off the wide receiver list, but with a new team filled with talent, it’s hard to find a spot for Allen among the league’s best. He’s consistently putting up 1,000+ yard seasons and has been a mainstay in the NFL for the past decade. It’s time for Allen to prove the coaches and executives wrong next season.
Main Image: Jamie Sabau – USA Today Sports
