2025 Chicago Bears Team Preview
WR Luther Burden, CHI - Bye Week Fill-in
Luther Burden's second season at Missouri was stellar (86/1,243/10), but 2024 saw a dip (61/676/6, plus 9/115/2 rushing). He hit 100+ yards once last year (6/117/1), and his yards per catch fell from 14.1 to 11.1 with QB Brady Cook. Used as a chain mover, with elite hands, timing, and a 4.41 40-yard dash, he excels in deep passes. Burden is an intriguing fit in Ben Johnson's offense, particularly if he starts in the slot, where Amon-Ra St. Brown has thrived. His draft capital (39th pick) indicates Burden has real sleeper appeal.
TE Colston Loveland, CHI - Quality Backup
The surprise first tight end off the board with the 10th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Colston Loveland, is a dynamic athlete. At 6-6 and 248 lbs, the Michigan standout amassed 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns over three collegiate seasons. In 2024, he led the Wolverines with 56 catches for 582 yards and five scores, despite missing time due to a shoulder injury. Known for his polished route-running and red-zone prowess, Loveland offers a sizable catch radius and the versatility to line up both in-line and in the slot. He and Cole Kmet will allow the Bears to challenge teams with more '12' formations.
TE Cole Kmet, CHI - Low Potential
Kmet's days as a weekly starter are over as long as first-rounder Colston Loveland is healthy. Ben Johnson liked to utilize multiple tight ends often in Detroit, so Kmet should still play plenty of snaps. However, he won't command a consistent share of targets as the Bears' 6th or 7th option.
PK Cairo Santos, CHI
Santos played all 17 games for Chicago last season and averaged a paltry 4.9 kicking points per game. Yikes. Things should be significantly better with Ben Johnson on the sidelines, but there is no reason to draft Santos.
Chicago
Chicago was a top-10 unit last season but three D/ST touchdowns were the main catalyst for that finish. Overall, the Bears only had 40 sacks and forced 24 turnovers. They're a middling fantasy option, closer to 20th than the 10th they finished last year.
