Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles has done an outstanding job improving the roster this offseason. Possessing two top-10 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft certainly helped, but Poles also made shrewd additions via free agency and trades. With training camp approximately five weeks away, we've identified three areas of strength on the Bears' roster.
QUARTERBACK
Quarterback is obvious after Poles selected former USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Williams is a generational talent primed to end the Bears' long-lasting curse at QB. The Trojans standout has impressed throughout the early portion of organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp and should look even better during training camp and the preseason.
Behind Williams is a quality backup in Tyson Bagent with 10-year NFL potential. Veteran journeyman Brett Rypien, who joined the room this offseason as a quarterback with prior experience alongside new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, should help Williams and Bagent master the offense.
SECONDARY
The Bears' secondary was a strength last season and it should be even stronger in 2024. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson signed a lucrative extension this offseason that should allow him to play distraction-free football. Johnson will continue spearheading a secondary with ascending talents such as Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, and Tyrique Stevenson.
Furthermore, the Bears signed veteran safety Kevin Byard to a two-year contract. Byard is an illustrious defensive back with a proven history of success. He's also an outstanding locker room leader that the youth will appreciate.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Poles signaled his faith in Williams as a franchise quarterback by surrounding him with what's arguably the best trio of receivers in all of football. Despite already having a prolific 1,000-yard receiver in the fold in D.J. Moore, Poles went out and acquired Keenan Allen via blockbuster trade and then drafted Rome Odunze with the ninth pick.
Allen and Moore will dominate two receiver sets. When Waldron utilizes 11 personnel, Allen will move to his regular slot position, with Odunze playing the boundary. Opposing secondaries will have a difficult time covering all three starting-caliber Bears receivers.
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