The Chicago Bears are wrapping up organized team activities this week ahead of veteran minicamp next week, and there’s been a noticeable difference in Year 2 of the Ben Johnson era compared to this time last year.
It’s been a much smoother operation for those players returning for their second season in Johnson’s offense and Dennis Allen’s defense. With OTAs underway, there have been plenty of standouts, especially on the offensive side of the ball, where quarterback Caleb Williams continues to shine, the young playmakers are showing out and one rookie continues to make headlines.
Following Wednesday’s open practice, here are five standouts on offense, who should be integral to the success of the team in 2026.
1. WR Luther Burden III
Second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III is primed for a breakout year in 2026, and he continues to make plays during the offseason program. According to Clay Harbor, Burden “made a couple plays in tight coverage and continues to show up when he gets opportunities.” Burden was also on the receiving end of quarterback Caleb Williams’ best throw of the day, per Herb Howard. “With Jaylon Johnson tight in coverage, Caleb led Luther on the Crosser, allowing the speedy receiver to catch the ball in stride and continue to run after the catch.”
2. WR Zavion Thomas
Third-round rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas has consistently been making plays during the offseason program, and it’s not often he hasn’t been mentioned among practice takeaways. According to Clay Harbor, Thomas made a couple of plays, where his speed was likely on display, and he’s making a strong case as a rookie. Wrote Harbor: “It’s an uphill battle with Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker in that WR/returner competition, but he’s quick and had a nice catch today.” According to Mark Carman, Thomas had the “catch of the day” from quarterback Tyson Bagent. “Impressive hands on out route where he was fighting to get open.”
3. QB Caleb Williams
Quarterback Caleb Williams was the talk of the town after he was revealed as the Madden 27 cover athlete, and he backed it up with another “solid” practice, according to Clay Harbor. “Arm strength looks as good as always. The ball still jumps off his hand.” Williams’ best throw of the day was “an absolute dart across the middle” to receiver Luther Burden, according to Herb Howard, where “with Jaylon Johnson tight in coverage, Caleb led Luther on the Crosser, allowing the speedy receiver to catch the ball in stride and continue to run after the catch.”
4. TE Colston Loveland
It was an overall great day for all the tight ends, but it was second-year pro Colston Loveland who was the biggest standout of the group. According to Clay Harbor, Loveland looked “smooth” and “had a couple nice plays and looks noticeably bigger. Easy movement for his size.” Loveland is coming off a breakout rookie season, where he led the Bears in receiving, and he’s primed to serve an even bigger role in Year 2. Harbor also noted Cole Kmet and rookie Sam Roush both had “solid” days.
5. WR Jahdae Walker
The Bears have a loaded receiver room led by Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Kalif Raymond and rookie Zavion Thomas, but last year’s undrafted rookie standout Jahdae Walker is looking to prove he deserves a bigger role in Year 2. Walker was one of the offensive standouts on Day 5, where Clay Harbor said he “flashed” during Wednesday’s practice. “Made a couple nice grabs, looked quick, confident, and natural catching the football.” There are a lot of mouths to feed on this Chicago offense, so making standout plays at this point of the offseason should only help Walker make an impression.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 5 standouts from Day 5 of Chicago Bears OTAs
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
