Windy City Gridiron
Which players was Ben Johnson referring to?
The Chicago Bears have largely been applauded for their moves in the NFL Draft. Their grades have been solid from the draft experts, and they added plenty of pieces on offense around Caleb Williams and sprinkled a few pieces around the defense as well.
But Ben Johnson’s comments after the Draft are what caught my eye:
“I think all we did this weekend is we might’ve just turned up the notch a couple of dials for certain people in this building. That’s a good thing. That’s a healthy thing. That’s where you bring out the best not only in your team but in each individual.”
Every good football team needs depth on the roster. It builds competition and creates a winning environment. Johnson didn’t say he turned up the dials a couple of notches in the building, he said it was for “certain people.”
Maybe you think I’m reading too much into that, but when you suggest that you are turning it up on certain people, you are suggesting that these people need some extra push or motivation. Let’s look at the picks and determine who Ben Johnson might have been referring to.
It’s not too hard to start with Kmet. The Bears selected tight end Colston Loveland with their first-round selection. Kmet and Loveland can exist on the same field in 12 personnel, but if the head coach wants to turn it up on certain people, then we certainly can’t ignore the first pick of Ben Johnson’s tenure.
Kmet has always been a pro with the media, but he’s also been a leader in the locker room and was a captain in 2024. We know how poor the Bears’ effort was on the back half of the season. Of course, coaches are to be blamed, but shouldn’t some blame fall on the players as well? They’re adults, they should be able to be self-motivated. But when the locker room is having issues, you have to look at the captains, and Kmet was one of them.
I think Kmet will respond and the Bears will have an elite 12 personnel package, but Kmet’s long-term viability on the roster has to be put in question with Loveland here.
I suggested on Twitter yesterday that the Luther Burden pick may be here because DJ Moore may not be a lock to be a long-term piece on this roster, and you would have thought I insulted everyone’s mother.
I think of all the players that had issues last year, Moore is at or near the top of the list. Moore was seen not giving full effort on plays, was visibly frustrated frequently, and even walked off the field midplay and was sitting on the bench before the play had even concluded (Moore stated after the game it was because he turned his ankle).
Burden and Moore have very similar playing styles. You’ll see that multiple draft experts even...
