ClutchPoints
The Chicago Bears are ready to take a big leap forward during the 2025 NFL season. Many NFL experts believe that the Bears are the most improved team in the league this offseason, thanks to a handful of important moves. Chicago hired former Lions OC Ben Johnson as their next head coach, setting a new vision for the organization.
Johnson did not waste much time overhauling the roster, immediately upgrading the offensive line in a series of trades.
The Bears also made some huge improvements during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Chicago added several talented rookies who will form the foundation of the new-look Bears under Ben Johnson.
Some of Chicago’s rookies even have a chance to play huge roles during the 2025 season. This is especially true of offensive players who could slot into Ben Johnson’s offense.
But which rookies will start in 2025? And which veterans have a chance of losing their jobs?
Below we will explore three Bears veterans whose roles could be pushed by rookies during the 2025 season.
It feels odd to call Rome Odunze a veteran, but the second-year wide receiver could face some steep competition during training camp.
It is difficult to know what to make of Odunze’s rookie season, especially because of Chicago’s dysfunctional coaching staff.
Odunze put up some impressive stats for a rookie receiver. He logged 54 receptions for 734 yards and three touchdowns while playing in all 17 games. His production is solid, but it is worth noting that he received a whopping 101 targets.
Bears fans will be expecting Odunze to take a big leap forward in 2025. Unfortunately, he may lose out on more snaps thanks to a talented rookie.
The Bears selected Luther Burden III in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Burden has the opportunity to make a splash during his rookie season. Chicago is currently overhauling its offense to fit Ben Johnson’s vision of the team. Burden could be a big part of that vision in a hurry.
If Johnson looks to replicate Detroit’s offense in Chicago, Burden could find himself playing the Jameson Williams role thanks to his blazing speed.
Of course, this assumes that Johnson will try and recreate exactly what he did in Detroit. That could easily not be true, especially because Chicago has very different personnel on offense.
Ultimately, the question will become how does Johnson plan to use Odunze and Burden in his new offense?
We should start by noting that this isn’t necessarily Noah Sewell’s job to begin with.
The Bears primarily started two linebackers, Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards, during the 2024 season. When the Bears would deploy three linebackers, Jack Sanborn would usually fill that position.
But that was with the previously coaching staff led by Matt Eberflus. Everything could be different in 2025 with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen...
