Power rankings dropped following draft. Let’s see where the Bears are stacking up heading into minicamp.
The NFL Draft is now behind us. Only minicamps and OTAs stand between us and the real, true dead period of the NFL offseason.
That means it’s time to get out the power rankings again.
Who doesn’t love some power rankings at the end of April?
We would be nothing without arbitrary rankings of NFL teams based on how the writer perceives their offseason moves, draft and last season’s performances.
OK, enough of the cynical ranting, let’s look at what some of these rankings say about our Chicago Bears following the draft.
NFL.com – Eric Edholm
16) Chicago Bears (no change)
Ben Johnson was welcomed warmly upon his arrival in Chicago, and then he was thrown another surprise party this past weekend. The first three selections of TE Colston Loveland, Luther Burden III and Ozzy Trapilo had to make Johnson a happy man. I suspect the Bears had their eyes on taking a running back earlier than they ultimately did, late in Round 7 (Kyle Monangai); TreVeyon Henderson going off the board just prior to the Burden pick in Round 2 felt like a mini-heartbreak for Chicago, but Ryan Poles proceeded deftly. Loveland and Burden are exactly the kinds of weapons an imaginative coach wants to play around with. The defensive line also received some potentially nice help in Shemar Turner, even if there was disappointment in not getting another pass rusher. The overall haul this offseason looks very strong, and the Bears are running short on excuses not to contend this year.
The Athletic – Josh Kendall
19. Chicago Bears
First pick: TE Colston Loveland
Chicago beefed up the offensive and defensive lines before the draft, so Ben Johnson got to go find some toys, starting with Loveland, who is going to catch a ton of passes, and then Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III with the 39th pick. Burden quietly is one of the biggest boom-or-bust picks in this draft. He had a disappointing final season but is an electric athlete.
For the Win – Robert Zeglinski, Cory Woodruff, Christian D’Andrea
17. Chicago Bears
Has anyone had a better offseason than Caleb Williams? A hotshot coach. A completely revamped offensive line. A treasure trove of weapons all around. Bears fans, you’re not dreaming. It’s OK to get a little excited.
The Sporting News – Vinnie Iyer
16. Chicago Bears (13)
The Bears took care of offensive line for Caleb Williams in free agency and now have given him two more key players in Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. But their needs for running back and edge rusher wasn’t met, causing them to slip.
Fansided – Mike Phillips
19. Chicago Bears
New head coach Ben Johnson has made it his mission to give Caleb Williams every chance to succeed, rebuilding the offensive line and using his first two draft picks on playmakers in tight end Colston Loveland and receiver Luther Burden III. The brutal NFC North may make it tough for Chicago to make the playoffs but they have enough talent to surprise if Johnson is as good of a coach as everyone thinks he will be.
What do you think about these rankings? Are they about right for a team coming off a five-win season with an exciting new coach and rising quarterback?