Caleb WIlliams is the obvious choice, but who else could see a jump in play this season?
Pro Football Focus recently gave their prediction for each club’s post-NFL Draft breakout candidate in 2025, and while the Chicago Bears have a few solid candidates, the obvious answer is also the right one.
Here’s what they said about Chicago’s second-year quarterback, Caleb Williams.
Everything that the Bears did this offseason, including installing Ben Johnson as the new head coach, reinforcing the offensive line and adding two high-end receiving weapons with their first two picks in the NFL Draft, is designed to allow the 2024 first overall pick to succeed in his second season. Williams, undoubtedly, struggled in Year 1, taking a league-high 68 sacks while ranking 32nd in passing grade. With everything a young quarterback could need in place around him now, there is no reason for Williams not to deliver on his potential as a former first overall pick, starting in 2025.
Williams is primed for a big year, but besides him, I think there are a few other veteran candidates who could have a breakout in 2025.
Right tackle Darnell Wright had a nice rookie season, which landed him on a few all-rookie squads, but he was better in 2024. Last season, he was Chicago’s best offensive lineman and one of the better right tackles in the league. With more talent around him and a more cohesive offensive scheme, I could see him in the Pro Bowl for the first time in his young career.
Second-year wideout Rome Odunze caught some criticism from fans after he only racked up 54 catches and 734 receiving yards. Five rookie receivers had more receptions, and all five were slotted in as their team’s number one receiver. Odunze was behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, so it shouldn’t be surprising that his numbers were more WR3 than WR1. This year, he’ll be Chicago’s number one or two wideout in Ben Johnson’s offense.
I may be in the minority, but I can see a big year coming from defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. I see defensive coordinator Dennis Allen using twists, stunts, and pre-snap looks, to scheme up some one on ones, and free rushing lanes for Dexter, and with his athleticism and versatility I expect his sack total to jump from last year’s five.