After an underwhelming 2024 season, the Chicago Bears have been busy this offseason, determined to change their fortunes. Their flurry of moves began with the hiring of Ben Johnson.
A brilliant offensive mind for the Detroit Lions, Johnson is now taking over as the Bears’ head coach, and his preferences are already becoming clear. To kick off free agency, the team made multiple moves to shore up protection for franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. Now, they have a chance to add to his weapons.
Chicago Bears Predicted to Further Remake Offense Under Ben Johnson
With plenty of veteran wide receivers available in free agency, the Bears might instead look for someone who better aligns with Williams’ timeline. That makes the 2025 NFL Draft their best opportunity to add another weapon at Johnson’s disposal.
The latest mock draft from PFSN supports that idea. In a surprising projection, Ian Cummings has Texas standout Emeka Egbuka falling to the second round.
There, Chicago is waiting with open arms to snag him with the 41st overall pick. Describing the addition, Cummings wrote, “The puzzle is almost complete for Johnson. Emeka Egbuka could be one of the final pieces as a dynamite WR3 and flex piece alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.”
A first-round talent, the Ohio State wide receiver is among the top two or three playmakers available in this draft. In his two healthy seasons with the Buckeyes, Egbuka recorded 1,151 and 1,011 yards while totaling 24 touchdowns in his three active years.
Yet, Cummings believes he could fall this low. However, Egbuka isn’t the only name Chicago is adding. With their ninth overall pick, Johnson also gets to replicate the success he had with Jahmyr Gibbs—this time with Heisman Trophy finalist Ashton Jeanty.
The reasoning behind the selection is simple: “Ashton Jeanty is the perfect RB to be Ben Johnson’s engine: a generational elusive force with a physical edge.” In a standout season, the Boise State product racked up 2,601 yards and 29 rushing touchdowns—explosiveness that would be a major boost for the Bears.
With their focus on the offensive line—Chicago has already added Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman—it’s clear Johnson wants to build an explosive offense. After finishing among the bottom three teams in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season, it’s not hard to see why.
They’ve made the moves to give Williams better protection. Now, with the right weapons, success could feel more inevitable than improbable.