History shows that every great Chicago Bears era was kicked off by a great draft class. The 1940s dynasty was spearheaded by their 1939 class of Sid Luckman, Bill Osmanski, and Ray Bray. The 1980s run of dominance was in large part thanks to their 1983 draft class, featuring Jimbo Covert, Dave Duerson, and Richard Dent. As for the 2000s, that 2003 class, headlined by Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs, put them over the top. Based on early returns, it feels like the 2025 class might enter that same conversation for the Bears in the not-so-distant future.
The first draft, with the partnership of Ben Johnson and Ryan Poles, delivered a home run. According to historical records, the Chicago Bears became the first team in the Super Bowl era to produce three rookies who finished with at least 650 yards from scrimmage. Colston Loveland (711), Luther Burden (689), and Kyle Monangai (947) were all crucial to the team’s playoff push. Loveland was especially fun to watch, dominating games down the stretch and looking like a budding superstar.
This revelation has to feel surreal for the Chicago Bears.
Keep in mind, this goes back 60 years. In all those years, many draft classes have produced several excellent offensive players. Some even produced multiple Hall of Famers. Yet none of them saw so many rookie produce at a high level so quickly. That is a testament both to the three players mentioned and Johnson’s coaching staff. This doesn’t even include left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who was playing some really good football before his knee injury against Green Bay in the wild card game.
Nobody can say for sure how high this class will ascend. Many factors play into it. However, with Johnson calling plays and Caleb Williams at quarterback, there is a realistic scenario in which this group achieves success for years to come. The Chicago Bears could also build on that success with stronger drafts. If Johnson and Poles could do this for an opener, there is no telling what they may accomplish with more time together. It is crazy to imagine this is where the Bears are.
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