Analytics prove Bears CB Jaylon Johnson allowed few steps of separation in 2023

Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. Pro Football Focus recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.

"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, "PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Bears\x3C/a> CB Jaylon Johnson allowed very little separation last season \x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/uY1OXm9LzV\">pic.twitter.com/uY1OXm9LzV\x3C/a>\x3C/p>— CFB Vidz (@CFB_Vidz) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CFB_Vidz/status/1808141043260334529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 2, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">\"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, \"PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Ca href='https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"Johnson allowed a 40% completion rate when allowing a step in coverage, which tied with [Derek] Stingley for best on this list.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Only six cornerbacks allowed fewer steps of separation to wide receivers last season per opportunity. They were Arthur Maulet (14.3%), Mike Hilton (20%), Jack Jones (20%), Cobie Durant (20.6%), Jalen Ramsey (20.7%), and Chidobe Awuzie (21.1%). Pro Football Focus credited Johnson with allowing just 25 receptions on 50 targets last season. Opposing quarterbacks saw a passer rating of 33.3 (!) when targeting him in coverage.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Opposing wide receivers on the Bears\" 2024 schedule should be prepared for Johnson to play extremely tight coverage on them all season long. That should start with Tennessee Titans wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley in Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Jaylon Johnson experienced an incredible breakout campaign for the Chicago Bears in 2023",featured_image_url:"/api/public/media/2025/07/jaylon-johnson-original.jpg",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-06-23T13:24:34.381588+00:00",author_display_name:"Justin Melo",author_gravatar_hash:"3db2d799cf003653055acaf8b5418622",author_avatar_url:null,category_names:$R[14]=["News"],tags:$R[15]=["chicago-bears","jaylon-johnson","news","nfl"],meta_title:null,meta_description:null,og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:null,reading_time_minutes:null,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1,linkedContent:"\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Chicago Bears cornerback \x3Ca href=\"/player/jaylon-johnson\" class=\"player-link\" data-player=\"jaylon-johnson\">Jaylon Johnson\x3C/a> experienced a breakout campaign last season. Johnson's on-field play resulted in a well-deserved contract extension earlier this offseason. General manager Ryan Poles signed him to a four-year, $76 million extension.\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Every day, it feels like a new advanced metric is released that captures just how excellent Johnson's 2023 showing was. \x3Ca href=\"https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pro Football Focus\x3C/a> recently released an article that highlighted different tight coverage percentage marks. According to their charting, Johnson finished seventh among all qualifying cornerbacks in step of separation, having allowed it on just 22.7% of his coverage opportunities.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\x3Cp lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">\x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#Bears\x3C/a> CB Jaylon Johnson allowed very little separation last season \x3Ca href=\"https://t.co/uY1OXm9LzV\">pic.twitter.com/uY1OXm9LzV\x3C/a>\x3C/p>— CFB Vidz (@CFB_Vidz) \x3Ca href=\"https://twitter.com/CFB_Vidz/status/1808141043260334529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 2, 2024\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">\"A big part of Jaylon Johnson’s breakout year was his ability to limit receivers getting a step of separation on him, \"PFF's Jim Wyman \x3Ca href='https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-top-cornerbacks-by-separation-darius-slay-leads-in-tight-coverage-while-chiefs-cbs-limit-open-targets-better-than-the-rest\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">wrote\x3C/a>. \"Johnson allowed a 40% completion rate when allowing a step in coverage, which tied with [Derek] Stingley for best on this list.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp id=\"isPasted\">Only six cornerbacks allowed fewer steps of separation to wide receivers last season per opportunity. They were Arthur Maulet (14.3%), Mike Hilton (20%), Jack Jones (20%), Cobie Durant (20.6%), Jalen Ramsey (20.7%), and Chidobe Awuzie (21.1%). Pro Football Focus credited Johnson with allowing just 25 receptions on 50 targets last season. Opposing quarterbacks saw a passer rating of 33.3 (!) when targeting him in coverage.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Opposing wide receivers on the Bears\" 2024 schedule should be prepared for Johnson to play extremely tight coverage on them all season long. That should start with Tennessee Titans wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley in Week 1.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cbr>\x3C/br>\x3C/p>",related:$R[16]=[$R[17]={id:"1ed6c1a1-006e-4631-8ef1-b4aa989e0564",wp_post_id:100000000099,title:"ESPN's Bears position rankings reveal elite strength and some head-scratching weaknesses",slug:"chicago-bears-espn-nfl-position-group-rankings-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/22",published_at:"2026-08-22T17:24:40.004+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-22T17:24:40.004+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears enter the 2026 season with a roster good enough to defend their NFC North title. But just how good is it compared to the rest of the NFL?\x3C/p>\x3Cp>ESPN's Mike Clay tackled that question by \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/49638556/2026-nfl-season-positional-group-best-worst-quarterbacks-cornerbacks-receivers\">ranking all 32 teams at 10 major position groups\x3C/a>, then combining those evaluations into an overall roster ranking weighted for positional importance.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The result for Chicago is decidedly middle of the pack.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears rank No. 16 overall, with an elite offensive line and two top-10 defensive position groups offset by some surprisingly low rankings at running back and wide receiver, and significant concerns along the defensive front.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Here's where Chicago ranks at all 10 positions:\x3C/p>\x3Cul>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Quarterback:\x3C/strong> No. 12\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Running back:\x3C/strong> No. 24\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Wide receiver:\x3C/strong> No. 24\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Tight end:\x3C/strong> No. 6\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Offensive line:\x3C/strong> No. 3\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Interior defensive line:\x3C/strong> No. 29\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Edge rusher:\x3C/strong> No. 22\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Off-ball linebacker:\x3C/strong> No. 8\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Cornerback:\x3C/strong> No. 9\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Safety:\x3C/strong> No. 21\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Overall:\x3C/strong> \x3Cstrong>No. 16\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3C/ul>\x3Ch2>Bears offensive line gets the respect it deserves\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Chicago's highest-ranked unit is the offensive line at No. 3, trailing only the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears led the NFL in pass block win rate (73.6%) and finished fifth in run block win rate (73.5%) last season after allowing a league-high 68 sacks in 2024.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Joe Thuney remains one of football's premier guards, Jonah Jackson returns beside him, and Darnell Wright has developed into one of the league's best young tackles, enough for the Bears to recently give him a four-year, $116 million extension with $93 million guaranteed.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, it's not a perfect group.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Left tackle remains unsettled, with Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet receiving opportunities. Garrett Bradbury is replacing the retired Drew Dalman at center, and questions are beginning to emerge about his ability to hold down the starting spot all season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But No. 3 feels appropriate based on the combination of returning production and high-end talent.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1785350925187-2fs1ya.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NTM1MDkyNTE4Ny0yZnMxeWEud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODUzNTA5MjYsImV4cCI6MjEwMDcxMDkyNn0.mHmhXbaYY1BAqkYeN0rLWIWFLA5AB10Jx4AfkK1xt5A\" alt=\"Rome Odunze Bears\">\x3Ch2>ESPN is surprisingly low on Bears' running backs and receivers\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>ESPN ranks Chicago only 24th at running back and 24th at wide receiver.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The running back ranking feels especially harsh.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>D'Andre Swift is coming off a career year with 1,087 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Kyle Monangai added 783 yards and five touchdowns at 4.6 yards per attempt as a rookie.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Maybe Chicago doesn't have the superstar running back that Indianapolis, Philadelphia or Atlanta does. That's fair.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But the Swift-Monangai combination finishing in the bottom quarter of the NFL is difficult to reconcile with what the Bears actually got from the position in 2025.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>As for wide receiver, that's a bit more complicated.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>DJ Moore is gone, leaving Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III as the primary young weapons. Both have enormous upside, but neither has produced a full season of elite NFL production yet. Burden is also currently dealing with a groin injury.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, No. 24 seems pessimistic.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Odunze was producing like a high-end receiver before his foot injury disrupted his 2025 season, while Burden became increasingly productive as his role expanded during the second half.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears don't have a Ja'Marr Chase-Tee Higgins caliber combination. Few teams do.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But Odunze and Burden have a chance to make No. 24 look silly by December.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Colston Loveland pushes Bears tight ends into NFL's top six\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>ESPN is considerably more bullish on Chicago at tight end, ranking the Bears sixth.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's primarily a reflection of what Colston Loveland accomplished as a rookie and what he could become in Year 2.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Loveland caught 58 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns during the 2025 regular season, establishing himself as one of Williams' most important weapons. And the training camp reviews have been glowing.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Ben Johnson has praised Loveland's understanding of multiple positions in the offense, while Odunze recently called him a \"rare\" talent and said he's learned from the tight end's route running and fluidity.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Add Cole Kmet to the equation, and No. 6 might actually undersell the ceiling of this group.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787251722891-yvzm64.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzI1MTcyMjg5MS15dnptNjQud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODcyNTE3NDQsImV4cCI6MjEwMjYxMTc0NH0.fHFFSJYQ-irb2Lrt3I9xMWU-q7rbvE03O5_45JE5PSM\" alt=\"Caleb Williams Bears Bengals\">\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams lands just outside ESPN's top 10 quarterbacks\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Williams and the Bears' quarterback room rank 12th.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's another ranking Bears fans could reasonably debate after Williams' second-year breakthrough.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He threw for a franchise-record 3,942 yards in 2025 while leading Chicago to an 11-6 record, an NFC North championship and a playoff victory over Green Bay.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But look at the quarterbacks ahead of him, and the ranking becomes easier to understand.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>ESPN has Buffalo, the Rams, Kansas City, Baltimore and Cincinnati in its top five, while Green Bay, San Francisco, Washington, Dallas, the Chargers and New England also rank ahead of Chicago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams hasn't reached the established elite tier yet. The opportunity to get there is staring him in the face in 2026.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears defensive front remains the glaring weakness\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>And then we get to the concerning part.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>ESPN ranks Chicago's interior defensive line 29th and edge rushers 22nd.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears finished 31st in pass rush win rate and 26th in run stop win rate last season, and there wasn't a dramatic offseason overhaul up front.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Montez Sweat remains Chicago's primary edge threat. Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker need to provide more pressure, while the Bears recently added veteran Marcus Davenport to the mix.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Inside, Chicago is leaning heavily on Grady Jarrett and Gervon Dexter Sr., with players such as Jordan van den Berg and preseason standout Jamree Kromah trying to earn larger roles.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears' linebackers and cornerbacks receive top-10 rankings\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>ESPN likes the next two levels of Chicago's defense considerably more.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears rank eighth at off-ball linebacker and ninth at cornerback.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago has Devin Bush and T.J. Edwards at linebacker, while Jaylon Johnson anchors the cornerback room. Kyler Gordon would make the secondary substantially stronger if he can finally get healthy, and rookie Malik Muhammad has generated positive reviews throughout training camp.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Gordon remains on the mend with a soft-tissue injury, and there's no firm return date. That makes ESPN's No. 9 cornerback ranking feel almost like an evaluation of what Chicago \x3Cem>can\x3C/em> be rather than what Dennis Allen currently has available.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786022726188-dtg67h.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjAyMjcyNjE4OC1kdGc2N2gud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODYwMjI3MjYsImV4cCI6MjEwMTM4MjcyNn0.cKGq8VpQf91CgntH9yDnCFR5lEaAM9fNDmPpfD1SFd4\" alt=\"Coby Bryant\">\x3Ch2>Coby Bryant injury takes a toll on Bears' safety ranking\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Safety comes in at No. 21, another ranking influenced by injuries.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago signed Coby Bryant to strengthen the position, only to lose him to a significant knee injury that required surgery. Bryant is expected to miss four to six months, leaving the Bears hoping he can potentially return for the playoffs.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That puts more pressure on veteran Xavier Woods and rookie Dillon Thieneman.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Thieneman has been one of the most encouraging stories of training camp and intercepted Joe Burrow during Thursday's joint practice with Cincinnati. But relying heavily on a rookie safety wasn't necessarily the plan when camp opened.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>ESPN's No. 16 overall ranking feels low, but explains Bears' path in 2026\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>When all 10 position groups are weighted for importance, ESPN places Chicago 16th overall.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's fascinating for a team coming off an 11-win season and division championship. And it illustrates how the Bears can prove ESPN wrong.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams needs to turn his 2025 breakout into a legitimate top-10 — perhaps top-five — quarterback season. Odunze and Burden need to transform potential into production. The offensive line needs to remain elite despite the changes at center and left tackle. Most importantly, the defensive front has to outperform expectations.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago already has top-10 rankings at offensive line, tight end, linebacker, and cornerback. If Williams elevates the quarterback room and the young receivers emerge, this offense could be significantly better than ESPN's overall ranking suggests.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears might have enough offensive firepower to win another NFC North title. Whether they have enough pass rush to make a deeper playoff run remains the bigger question.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"ESPN ranked all 10 Bears position groups entering 2026, with Chicago boasting a top-three offensive line but landing surprisingly low at several key spots.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787419255729-9dyeeq.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzQxOTI1NTcyOS05ZHllZXEud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc0MTkyNTYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjc3OTI1Nn0.NELmczb-XX9XXJPEKDQyaWOGwEjGD3wYi-lswa6sEkQ",photo_credit:"Todd Rosenberg/GettyImages",status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-22T16:58:09.357556+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[18]=["News"],tags:$R[19]=["2026 NFL season","chicago bears","position rankings"],meta_title:"ESPN ranks every Bears position group entering 2026",meta_description:"ESPN ranked every NFL position group for 2026. See where Caleb Williams and the Bears landed, including an elite offensive line and major concerns.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:6,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!0},$R[20]={id:"2e7ccbf8-7a35-4fd1-ba92-45d2c61913ac",wp_post_id:100000000098,title:"Bears land 2 cornerstone players on NFL's top 25 under 25 ranking",slug:"caleb-williams-darnell-wright-nfl-top-25-under-25",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/22",published_at:"2026-08-22T16:48:37.589+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-22T16:48:37.589+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears' roster has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last few years, but perhaps the most encouraging part of Ryan Poles' rebuild is how much of the team's core remains young.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Two players in particular are already being recognized among the NFL's best young stars.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Caleb Williams and Darnell Wright both landed on \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7519747/2026/08/21/nfl-top-players-25-and-under-rankings/\">The Athletic's ranking of the NFL's top 25 players age 25 and under\x3C/a>, with Williams checking in at No. 21 and Wright at No. 23.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell earned the No. 1 spot, followed by Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton and Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For the Bears, having both their franchise quarterback and franchise right tackle make the list is another indication that the foundation of Ben Johnson's offense is built for the long haul.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Caleb Williams checks in at No. 21\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Williams' inclusion shouldn't come as much of a surprise after his breakout second season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams threw for a franchise-record 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns and only seven interceptions in 2025, helping Chicago finish 11-6, win the NFC North and defeat the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card round.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And he's still only 24.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>What's interesting about The Athletic's ranking is where Williams falls relative to the other young quarterbacks.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>New England's Drake Maye ranks 11th, Washington's Jayden Daniels is 13th, and Houston's C.J. Stroud is 19th. Williams comes in at No. 21.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That leaves Williams fourth among quarterbacks on the list.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>There's certainly room to debate that order, particularly after what Williams accomplished during his first season with Johnson. The pairing helped transform a Bears offense that had spent decades searching for stability at quarterback.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Williams' next challenge is turning last year's breakthrough into his new baseline.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>His 58.1% completion percentage remains an obvious area for improvement, and Williams has spent training camp talking about mastering Johnson's offense and becoming more consistent in situational football.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>If that happens, No. 21 could look awfully conservative a year from now.\x3C/p>\x3Cimg class=\"my-4 rounded\" src=\"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787417300429-1sxg4j.avif?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzQxNzMwMDQyOS0xc3hnNGouYXZpZiIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc0MTczMDEsImV4cCI6MjEwMjc3NzMwMX0.B-ZFfql1PG-keigEAhf24P5U4dQmXDqtR8EET14V-ZU\" alt=\"Darnell Wright Bears \">\x3Cp>Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Darnell Wright lands at No. 23\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Wright ranks No. 23 overall, making him one of only two offensive tackles to crack the top 25. Sewell, who tops the entire ranking, is the other.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That is elite company.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And Chicago recently paid Wright accordingly.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears signed Wright to a four-year, $116 million extension with $93 million guaranteed, cementing the former first-round pick as one of the foundational pieces of their offensive line.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Wright's development has been one of the biggest success stories of Poles' tenure. The No. 10 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has developed from a physically gifted prospect into one of the league's premier young tackles.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>His emergence was also critical to Chicago's dramatic offensive-line improvement in 2025. The Bears finished first in ESPN's pass block win rate and fifth in run block win rate after allowing a league-high 68 sacks the previous season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now he's being recognized alongside the NFL's best players in his age group.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears have even more young talent waiting behind Williams and Wright\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Perhaps the most exciting part for Chicago is that Williams and Wright aren't the only candidates who could eventually appear on a list like this.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears have assembled a substantial collection of young talent that includes Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, Dillon Thieneman, Austin Booker and Kyle Monangai.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>In fact, ESPN recently ranked Chicago third in the NFL for under-25 talent, trailing only the New England Patriots and Houston Texans.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Loveland is probably the most obvious omission from The Athletic's top 25.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The second-year tight end caught 58 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie before adding 193 receiving yards over Chicago's two playoff games. Another major step forward in 2026 could quickly propel him into the conversation among the league's premier young players.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Burden is another candidate after flashing tremendous efficiency during the second half of his rookie season.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's what should be most encouraging for Bears fans. Williams and Wright have already arrived, and several more could be coming.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For a franchise that spent far too many years searching for a quarterback and struggling to build a sustainable offensive core around him, having a 24-year-old franchise quarterback and a 24-year-old cornerstone right tackle ranked among the NFL's best young players is a pretty good place to start.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"Caleb Williams and Darnell Wright both made The Athletic's ranking of the NFL's top 25 players age 25 and under, highlighting the Bears' young foundation.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787417055534-jprg4g.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzQxNzA1NTUzNC1qcHJnNGcud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODc0MTcwNTYsImV4cCI6MjEwMjc3NzA1Nn0.E6RMaVf582EmNr6q4b12B-jxn7MbosVdFAUPK2viUuc",photo_credit:"USA TODAY Sports",status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-22T16:39:06.844614+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[21]=["News"],tags:$R[22]=["2026 nfl season","caleb williams","chicago bears","darnell wright"],meta_title:"Two Bears make NFL top 25 players under 25 ranking",meta_description:"Caleb Williams and Darnell Wright made The Athletic's ranking of the NFL's top 25 players age 25 and under, highlighting the Chicago Bears' young foundation.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[23]={id:"29a5261d-46cc-4008-86a7-e52d03ab4323",wp_post_id:100000000097,title:"6 Bears with the most to prove vs. Bengals in Preseason Week 2",slug:"bears-bengals-6-players-to-watch-preseason-week-2",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/21",published_at:"2026-08-21T20:39:54.288+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-21T20:39:54.288+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>If you’re tuning in to Saturday night’s Chicago Bears preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals hoping to see Caleb Williams and the rest of the starting offense pick up where they left off during Thursday’s joint practice, prepare for a different kind of game.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears used the joint session to get their starters extensive work against Cincinnati’s first units. While Ben Johnson has not formally announced his entire playing-time plan, this game is expected to lean heavily toward reserves and players battling for roster spots. The Bengals have already indicated their starters won’t play.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, that doesn't make Saturday meaningless. Quite the opposite, actually.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's 34-10 preseason-opening victory over the Cleveland Browns produced several players who strengthened their cases for the 53-man roster. Now they have another opportunity as cutdown day gets closer.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Here are six Bears players worth watching against the Bengals.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>1. Kaden Davis, WR\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>At this point, Kaden Davis might be Chicago's most compelling roster-bubble player.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Davis caught four passes for 88 yards against Cleveland and followed that performance with more impressive work in practice. During Thursday's joint session, he caught a diving touchdown from Williams during red-zone drills.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The praise keeps coming.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Passing game coordinator Press Taylor recently said Davis continues to earn opportunities because he keeps putting productive reps on tape. Williams has been impressed, too, praising Davis' ability to learn the offense quickly and calling him \"explosive\" and \"fun to watch.\"\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The question now is whether Davis can do it again.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's receiver room is crowded, and Davis needs to prove he can provide value beyond one big preseason performance. Another productive night against Cincinnati could make him increasingly difficult to leave off the roster.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>2. Theo Benedet, LT\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>No position battle deserves more attention Saturday than left tackle.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet split reps there during Thursday's joint practice, but Benedet had a difficult finish against Cincinnati's pass rush. Now comes the response.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears recently moved Benedet up the depth chart at left tackle while shifting Jedrick Wills Jr. and Kiran Amegadjie toward the right side. Jones would appear to have the advantage in the competition, but Chicago is still evaluating its options.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>For Benedet, Saturday represents an opportunity to put Thursday's joint practice behind him.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And unlike most preseason roster battles, this one could determine who protects Williams' blind side when the regular season begins.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-tweet-url=\"https://x.com/itsfickybaby/status/2089035714163798303?s=20\" data-dnd=\"embed\">\x3Ca href=\"https://x.com/itsfickybaby/status/2089035714163798303?s=20\">https://x.com/itsfickybaby/status/2089035714163798303?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Ch2>3. Logan Jones, C\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Keep an eye on No. 54. Rookie Logan Jones currently sits behind Garrett Bradbury at center on Chicago's depth chart. The Bears invested the 56th overall pick in Jones, however, making him considerably more than just developmental depth.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And Thursday's joint practice made the center situation a little more interesting.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Bradbury and Williams had a fumbled exchange on the opening snap, while Cincinnati generated significant pressure through the Bears' offensive front.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>There's no indication Bradbury is suddenly fighting for his starting job. But Jones represents a high-upside option if communication and protection problems become a recurring issue.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Saturday should provide the rookie with plenty of snaps to show how quickly he's progressing.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>4. Jamree Kromah, DE\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Kromah was arguably the biggest Bears breakout performer against Cleveland, finishing with six tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Ben Johnson loved what he saw, praising Kromah's get-off and relentless style while noting how excited Chicago's other defensive linemen were as he made plays.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>One dominant preseason game gets everyone's attention. Doing it again starts changing the roster conversation.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Kromah is currently listed behind Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker, and several others on the defensive line. In comes newly signed veteran Marcus Davenport, too. That makes every pass-rush opportunity valuable.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Another disruptive performance Saturday could force the Bears to find room for him.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-tweet-url=\"https://x.com/itsfickybaby/status/2089375432030204158?s=20\" data-dnd=\"embed\">\x3Ca href=\"https://x.com/itsfickybaby/status/2089375432030204158?s=20\">https://x.com/itsfickybaby/status/2089375432030204158?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Ch2>5. Malik Muhammad, CB\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Malik Muhammad's first NFL training camp has already generated legitimate excitement.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The rookie is currently listed behind Tyrique Stevenson at cornerback, but Chicago has explored different combinations while Kyler Gordon remains unavailable.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Muhammad has flashed the confidence and aggressiveness the Bears liked when they drafted him. The next test is translating those traits into preseason production.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>With most established starters unlikely to need extensive work Saturday, Muhammad should have an opportunity to play meaningful snaps. The Bears need young defensive backs to emerge, especially with Coby Bryant facing a lengthy recovery from knee surgery and Gordon still rehabbing.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Muhammad has a chance to show he's ready for more than a developmental role. In fact, with a strong performance against the Bengals, he might all but lock up a starting job.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>6. Dillon Thieneman, S\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Dillon Thieneman is already one of the most exciting young players on Chicago's defense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The rookie safety added another impressive moment Thursday when he intercepted Joe Burrow during the joint practice. Burrow forced a pass toward Mike Gesicki in tight coverage; the football was deflected, and Thieneman was positioned behind the play to secure the interception. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>That's exactly the kind of playmaking Chicago needs from its secondary, especially after losing the NFL's leader in interceptions in 2025, Kevin Byard.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Thieneman is already listed with the first team on the Bears' current depth chart, which means his reps will likely be limited on Saturday night.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, preseason reps, no matter how many he gets, provide another test of his communication, tackling, and ability to diagnose NFL offenses when the action isn't scripted.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears-Bengals is about the bottom half of the roster\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The biggest Bears stars won't be the reason to watch Saturday night. The roster battles will.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago's current depth chart still contains plenty of uncertainty at receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and throughout the secondary.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Players like Davis and Kromah are trying to turn impressive preseason openers into legitimate roster spots. Benedet is fighting for something much bigger: a starting job. Jones, Muhammad, and Thieneman represent young players the Bears hope can become important pieces of the roster.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And that's what preseason football is really about.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears' biggest names won't be the focus against Cincinnati. These six players have roster spots, starting jobs and bigger roles at stake Saturday night.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1787344385525-y1i6x9.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NzM0NDM4NTUyNS15MWk2eDkud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODczNDQzODgsImV4cCI6MjEwMjcwNDM4OH0.7fLttac6drlLcHDil4CmxR9HWOFgxq9TXaadet2grZ4",photo_credit:"(Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)",status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-21T20:22:32.255081+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[24]=["News"],tags:$R[25]=["chicago bears","dillon thieneman","jamree kromah","kaden davis","logan jones","malik muhammad","nfl preseason","theo benedet"],meta_title:"6 Bears with the most to prove vs. Bengals in Preseason Wk 2",meta_description:"The Bears' biggest names won't be the focus against Cincinnati. These six players have roster spots, starting jobs and bigger roles at stake Saturday night.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Chicago Bears",reading_time_minutes:5,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[26]={id:"f38ff540-4309-4211-9c7d-a0319936c90f",wp_post_id:100000000096,title:"Bears vs. Bengals: How to watch, stream and listen to Week 2 preseason game",slug:"bears-bengals-how-to-watch-stream-listen-preseason-2026",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/21",published_at:"2026-08-21T17:17:30.365+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-21T17:17:30.365+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>The Chicago Bears continue their 2026 preseason schedule Saturday night with a road matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Chicago enters the game 1-0 in the preseason after defeating the Cleveland Browns 34-10 in its opener. Cincinnati is also 1-0 following a 16-14 victory over the Detroit Lions. The Bears and Bengals got a preview of each other Thursday when they held a joint practice in Cincinnati.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Now they'll meet again with roster spots and depth-chart positioning becoming increasingly important as the regular season approaches.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Here's everything Bears fans need to know to watch, stream, or listen to Saturday's game.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>What time is the Bears vs. Bengals preseason game?\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The Bears and Bengals will kick off at 6 p.m. CT on Saturday, Aug. 22, in Cincinnati.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Game information:\x3C/strong>\x3C/p>\x3Cul>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Date:\x3C/strong> Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Time:\x3C/strong> 6 p.m. CT\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Location:\x3C/strong> Cincinnati, Ohio\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>TV:\x3C/strong> Chicago Bears Network on FOX 32 Chicago\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Radio:\x3C/strong> ESPN Chicago (AM 1000, 100.3 FM HD2)\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3Cli>\x3Cp>\x3Cstrong>Streaming:\x3C/strong> \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://ChicagoBears.com\">ChicagoBears.com\x3C/a> and the Chicago Bears App in eligible markets; NFL+ outside the Chicago area. Geographic and device restrictions apply.\x3C/p>\x3C/li>\x3C/ul>\x3Ch2>How to watch Bears vs. Bengals on TV\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Fans in the Chicago market can watch Saturday's game on the Chicago Bears Network on FOX 32 Chicago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears' broadcast team will feature Adam Amin on play-by-play, Stacey Dales and Jim Miller as analysts, and Jasmine Baker reporting from the sideline.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>How to stream Bears vs. Bengals\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>The game can be streamed through \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http://ChicagoBears.com\">ChicagoBears.com\x3C/a> and the Chicago Bears App in markets where the team's television broadcast is available.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Those streams will become available at kickoff, and geographic and device restrictions apply.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Fans outside the Chicago television market can also watch through NFL+.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>How to listen to Bears vs. Bengals\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Bears fans who can't watch Saturday's game can listen on ESPN Chicago at AM 1000 or 100.3 FM HD2.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The radio broadcast features Jeff Joniak on play-by-play, Tom Thayer as analyst and Jason McKie on the sideline. NFL+ also provides streaming access to the radio broadcast.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>ESPN Chicago's pregame coverage begins at 4 p.m. CT, two hours before kickoff. Marc \"Silvy\" Silverman, Dionne Miller and former Bears receiver Tom Waddle will host the pregame show.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears have plenty to evaluate against Bengals\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Saturday represents another important evaluation point for Ben Johnson and his coaching staff.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The Bears got extensive work against Cincinnati during Thursday's joint practice, when Caleb Williams threw three touchdowns during a red-zone period. Chicago also continued to evaluate Braxton Jones and Theo Benedet at left tackle, while several players fighting for roster spots received valuable work against unfamiliar competition.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>With the regular season approaching and roster cuts looming, the individual battles should make Saturday's game worth watching regardless of how much action Chicago's established starters receive.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"The Bears face the Bengals Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. Here's the TV channel, streaming options, radio information and everything fans need to know.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786462392919-881xfx.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjQ2MjM5MjkxOS04ODF4Zngud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODY0NjIzOTMsImV4cCI6MjEwMTgyMjM5M30.ZnWfiE1bapmH8aA31ng7oy__VrCfRMJf9h7JaBf0emU",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-21T17:13:00.042057+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[27]=["News"],tags:$R[28]=["chicago bears","nfl preseason"],meta_title:"Bears vs. Bengals: How to watch, stream and listen",meta_description:"The Bears face the Bengals Saturday at 6 p.m. CT. Here's the TV channel, streaming options, radio information, and everything fans need to know.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Bears",reading_time_minutes:2,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1},$R[29]={id:"ac132104-34b6-48f3-97e1-f78e2825ee93",wp_post_id:100000000095,title:"Bears land 1,500-yard SEC star in surprising 2027 NFL mock draft",slug:"bears-2027-nfl-mock-draft-kewan-lacy",wp_link:null,url_date_path:"2026/08/21",published_at:"2026-08-21T16:04:44.945+00:00",updated_at:"2026-08-21T16:04:44.945+00:00",author_login:"bryanjperez",content:"\x3Cp>Running back doesn't exactly scream Chicago Bears' biggest need entering the 2026 season. But that didn't stop one early 2027 NFL mock draft from sending one of college football's most productive backs to Chicago.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>The longtime NFL Draft analysts at Draft Countdown project the Bears to select Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy with the No. 16 overall pick in their latest \x3Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https://www.draftcountdown.com/nfl-mock-draft/2027-nfl-mock-draft/\">2027 NFL mock Draft\x3C/a>. \x3C/p>\x3Cp>Sure, its author, Brian Bosarge, acknowledges that running back might not be Chicago's most pressing need, but he argues Lacy's complete skill set could provide a significant boost to Ben Johnson's offense.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>It's an interesting projection, particularly because the Bears already have one of the NFL's better running back tandems.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Kewan Lacy would add another explosive weapon to Bears' offense\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Lacy enters the 2026 college football season as one of the premier running backs eligible for next year's draft.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>He exploded for 1,567 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on 306 carries for Ole Miss in 2025, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. He had 38 runs of at least 10 yards and 13 of 20-plus yards, including a 73-yard touchdown during the College Football Playoff.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>That performance earned Lacy first-team FWAA All-America and first-team All-SEC honors, and he became the first Doak Walker Award finalist in Ole Miss history.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Lacy has the production and explosive-play profile to enter the 2026 season as a legitimate first-round candidate. The question is whether he'd make sense for Chicago.\x3C/p>\x3Cblockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-tweet-url=\"https://x.com/Jordan_Reid/status/2079024252359950672?s=20\" data-dnd=\"embed\">\x3Ca href=\"https://x.com/Jordan_Reid/status/2079024252359950672?s=20\">https://x.com/Jordan_Reid/status/2079024252359950672?s=20\x3C/a>\x3C/blockquote>\x3Ch2>D'Andre Swift's future could determine Bears' interest\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>Right now, spending the 16th pick on a running back would be difficult to justify.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>D'Andre Swift is coming off a career year in which he rushed for 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns, while Kyle Monangai added 783 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie. They were the NFL's only running back duo to each surpass 750 rushing yards, helping Chicago finish third in the league with 2,456 rushing yards.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But there's an important variable. Swift is entering the final year of his contract.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>If the Bears allow him to leave in free agency after the 2026 season, running back suddenly becomes a much more interesting draft need. Monangai has already proven he belongs in Johnson's offense, but pairing him with a prospect of Lacy's caliber could give Chicago another potentially dynamic backfield without committing veteran-level money to the position.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>But if Swift earns an extension? Then using a premium first-round pick on another running back becomes considerably harder to envision. That's why this projection is probably less about what the Bears need today and more about what their roster could look like next April.\x3C/p>\x3Ch2>Bears could have bigger needs in 2027 NFL Draft\x3C/h2>\x3Cp>There's also the issue of opportunity cost. Chicago still has questions along its defensive line, particularly when it comes to generating consistent pressure. The long-term outlook at left tackle hasn't been settled, either.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Those are premium positions where first-round picks generally carry more positional value than running backs.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>And projecting Chicago at No. 16 would mean the Bears regressed considerably from their 11-6 NFC North championship season in 2025.\x3C/p>\x3Cp>Still, Lacy is exactly the type of prospect who could force a team to reconsider positional value. If he follows his 1,567-yard, 24-touchdown season with another dominant year in the SEC, the conversation next spring might not be whether a team should draft a running back in Round 1. It might be whether Lacy is simply too good to pass up.\x3C/p>",excerpt:"An early 2027 NFL mock draft has the Bears using the No. 16 pick on Ole Miss star Kewan Lacy, potentially adding another explosive weapon to Ben Johnson's offense.",featured_image_url:"https://jxsasjkteolpvwybngyp.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/sign/cms-media/posts/1786718970774-64knol.webp?token=eyJraWQiOiJzdG9yYWdlLXVybC1zaWduaW5nLWtleV80ZmVjZWU3MC03MmJkLTQzZmUtYmJkZi04MGJiZDE2MmEwNTkiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJ1cmwiOiJjbXMtbWVkaWEvcG9zdHMvMTc4NjcxODk3MDc3NC02NGtub2wud2VicCIsInNjb3BlIjoiZG93bmxvYWQiLCJpYXQiOjE3ODY3MTg5NzEsImV4cCI6MjEwMjA3ODk3MX0.mGUUlluI00r3hvC4y2W_plRC92LnKA3CACEUPnTo9RI",photo_credit:null,status:"published",created_at:"2026-08-21T15:56:14.306891+00:00",author_display_name:"Bryan Perez",author_gravatar_hash:"ce9d5105163cfec1a527c0b2f50332df",author_avatar_url:"/api/public/media/authors/bryanjperez-2026.jpg",category_names:$R[30]=[],tags:$R[31]=["chicago bears","kewan lacy","mock draft","nfl draft"],meta_title:"2027 NFL mock draft has Bears selecting Kewan Lacy",meta_description:"An early 2027 NFL mock draft has the Bears using the No. 16 pick on Ole Miss star Kewan Lacy, potentially adding another explosive weapon to Ben Johnson's offense.",og_image_url:null,canonical_url:null,focus_keyword:"Kewan Lacy",reading_time_minutes:3,is_draft:!1,scheduled_publish_at:null,visibility:"public",is_featured:!1}]},ssr:!0}],lastMatchId:"$year$month$day$slug20240702chicago-bears-jaylon-johnson-pro-football-focus"})($R["tsr"]);$_TSR.e();document.currentScript.remove()