If you ask experts at a local and national level about the Chicago Bears‘ draft priorities, they’ll say the same thing. Outside of left tackle, the team’s primary focus will be retooling its 29th-ranked defense. Several key starters are about to hit free agency, while two others (Tremaine Edmunds and Gervon Dexter) might be on the trade block. One would think that positions like tight end and wide receiver aren’t on the team’s to-do list after addressing both positions in last year’s draft. However, it is important not to forget that Bears head coach Ben Johnson calls the shots.
It would be wise not to dismiss wide receiver as a potential option in the draft this April, and not for the reason you think. Yes, D.J. Moore has been the subject of trade rumors for months. It is unclear whether the team is willing to continue paying his large salary cap hit after another dip in production last year. His fate won’t be the driving force behind Johnson’s desire to add another pass catcher in the draft. This is a much simpler motivation.
He wants more speed on the field.
Ben Johnson desires speed at every position.
That was never clearer than during the 2022 and 2023 drafts when he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. The team prioritized Alabama receiver Jameson Williams in the 1st round despite recovering from a torn ACL because of his blazing speed. Estimates have him in the 4.2-4.3 range. The next year, they took running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the 1st round, who posted a 4.36 time at the scouting combine. Both became lethal weapons in Johnson’s offense over the following years.
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When you look at the current makeup of the Bears’ offense, they don’t have anybody of that quality. No true burner who can threaten defenses over the top. The closest thing is Luther Burden, who posted a 4.41 time and was their best vertical threat last season. However, stretching the field was never his calling card. To fully unlock his system with the running game and play-action, Johnson will want somebody who forces defenses to stay in a two-high safety shell. By the look of things, this 2026 class has plenty of such options.
Johnson should have some notable names waiting in the later rounds.
Don’t expect Ben Johnson to make a move early in the draft. The 1st and 2nd rounds will be dedicated to the defense and left tackle at least. Probably the first three rounds. However, things will get interesting early on day three. The 4th or 5th rounds feel like the perfect territory to take such a gamble. Based on current projections, several of the names mentioned above on that combine top 10 list could be available in that range. Thompson is likely going somewhere in the 3rd or 4th. Caldwell could land anywhere between the 3rd and 5th.
Much of this comes down to Johnson’s preferences. Based on his track record dating back to 2016 as a wide receivers coach, every player selected was at least 6’0″ tall. If that holds true, the name to watch is Caldwell. He stands 6’5″, which makes his 4.31 time all the more impressive. He also has great hands. His route running needs a lot of work, but that won’t deter Johnson. Caldwell only started one season at the FBS level, so he’s a bit of an unknown. That is why he could be available in that early day three range.
Speed correlates with winning in today’s NFL.
Ben Johnson has understood this reality for a long time. His study of the game has been comprehensive. He’s aware of all the latest trends. One fact he is likely aware of is that several of the more recent Super Bowl champions had their passing game supplemented by at least one speedy wide receiver. In fact, since 2000, a total of 12 eventual champions have had somebody in their lineup with sub-4.40 speed. It isn’t the only thing that decides champions, but it clear plays a big part.
| Super Bowl | Champion | Primary WR (Sub-4.40) | 40-Yard Dash |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIX (2024) | Philadelphia Eagles | DeVonta Smith / A.J. Brown | 4.39s / 4.39s |
| LVII (2022) | Kansas City Chiefs | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | 4.37s |
| LVI (2021) | L.A. Rams | Odell Beckham Jr. | 4.38s |
| LV (2020) | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Scotty Miller | 4.39s |
| LIV (2019) | Kansas City Chiefs | Tyreek Hill / Mecole Hardman | 4.29s / 4.33s |
| 50 (2015) | Denver Broncos | Emmanuel Sanders | 4.39s |
| XLVII (2012) | Baltimore Ravens | Torrey Smith | 4.36s |
| XLVI (2011) | N.Y. Giants | Victor Cruz | 4.39s |
| XLIII (2008) | Pittsburgh Steelers | Santonio Holmes | 4.35s |
| XLI (2006) | Indianapolis Colts | Reggie Wayne | 4.39s |
| XXXVII (2002) | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Joe Jurevicius | 4.37s |
| XXXV (2000) | Baltimore Ravens | Brandon Stokley | 4.35s |
The Bears’ history backs this up even further. Their last championship winner was the 1985 team. Willie Gault, their leading target, was said to have 4.2 speed. Johnny Morris, the team’s all-time leading receiver and member of the 1963 championship team, was a world-class sprinter in college. He recorded a time that would’ve been 4.16 seconds today. It might also not be a coincidence that the last time the Bears reached a conference championship was when they had Johnny Knox in the lineup.
Few things can substitute for speed. Don’t expect Johnson to ignore that in the draft.
