The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting season with new head coach Ben Johnson now leading the charge for a roster ripe with talent.
That starts with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who’s poised for a breakout year under JOhnson, as well as his array of weapons in wide receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, as well as tight ends Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland and a revamped offensive line. On defense, there’s some big pieces in place, including cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, defensive end Montez Sweat and defensive tackles Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco recently unveiled his NFL Top 100 Players of 2025 list, which featured a pair of Bears players — one returning veteran and one new veteran, who are both expected to play integral roles to the success of this team in 2025 and beyond.
Joe Thuney, left guard
Prisco’s take: “The Bears traded for Thuney and then signed him to an extension for a reason. He’s a reliable guard who was forced to play left tackle for the Chiefs last year and still held his own.”
Our take: Joe Thuney is one of the best guards in the NFL, and he’s coming off an All-Pro year with the Kansas City Chiefs. So he was a big get for the Bears, who didn’t waste any time signing him to a two-year extension. Thuney is part of a revamped Chicago offensive line, where his experience, leadership and production should serve this unit (and quarterback Caleb Williams) well.
Jaylon Johnson, cornerback
Prisco’s take: “Johnson didn’t play as well in 2024 as he did in 2023, but he remains a top cover player. He was showing elite skills two years ago, so the talent is certainly there.”
Our take:
Potential snubs
When the Bears lose 10 straight games en route to a 5-12 record, have a mid-season head coaching firing and get quarterback Caleb Williams sacked a league-high 68 times, you’re not really expecting to see a lot of players make this list. In fact, only one player from last year’s team (Jaylon Johnson) made the cut while one of their prized newcomers Joe Thuney earned his spot after his performance with the Chiefs.
So instead of “snubs,” how about some contenders for next year’s list? Of course, Johnson and Thuney. But quarterback Caleb Williams first comes to mind along with wide receivers Rome Odunze and DJ Moore, defensive end Montez Sweat and nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon. Tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III are the rookies who come to mind.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 2 Bears players named to Pete Prisco’s Top 100 Players of 2025 list
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
