Chicago Bears 2025 Mock Offseason: The Ben Johnson Effect

There is no more wondering. Ben Johnson is the franchise’s 19th head coach. That means the latest Chicago Bears 2025 mock offseason has a better idea of how things could shake out in the next few months. GM Ryan Poles will collect insight from his new coach and craft a plan for finding the right players to fit his vision. One can safely assume things will differ from those under Matt Eberflus. Certain names on the roster will be out. From there, it is about how aggressive the team will be in overhauling specific areas. It isn’t difficult to guess where the focus will be. Here is a look at how things could go.

The latest Chicago Bears 2025 mock offseason is more focused.

Staff building:

• Defensive coordinator – Dennis Allen
• Offensive coordinator – Jim Turner
• Special teams coordinator – Darren Rizzi

Allen has already been reported as a likely possibility. He had the Saints playing as a top-10 unit for a solid five-year stretch. Rizzi has produced a top-5 special teams group almost every year in New Orleans. He worked with Johnson in Miami for several years. Turner is one of college football’s most respected offensive line coaches and also worked alongside Johnson with the Dolphins. He played a big part in helping them develop Mike Pouncey, Ja’Wuan James, and Billy Turner.

Cuts:

• Gerald Everett – $5.48 million
• Ryan Bates – $4 million saved
• Dominique Robinson – $1.1 million saved

Re-signings:

• Jack Sanborn – RFA tender for $3.185 million
• Josh Blackwell – RFA tender for $3.185 million
• Jaylon Jones – 1-year deal for $1.1 million
• Doug Kramer – 1-year deal for $1.1 million
• Bill Murray – ERFA tender for $840,000
• Chris Williams – ERFA tender for $960,000
• Daniel Hardy – ERFA tender for $960,000
• Jonathan Owens – 1-year deal for $1.255 million
• Jacob Martin – 1-year deal for $1.255 million

Free Agency:

• RG Trey Smith – 4-year deal for $88 million
• C Drew Dalman – 3-year deal for $36 million
• EDGE Chase Young – 1-year deal for $10 million
• WR Darius Slayton – 1-year deal for $6 million
• TE Mike Gesicki – 1-year deal for $2 million

Fortifying the offensive line is priority #1 for the Bears, and they waste no expense. Smith is by far the best option available and they make that clear by making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL. Then, for good measure, they also added a capable center in Dalman, drastically improving their interior. Slayton adds some needed speed at wide receiver, while Gesicki should be a solid #2 option at tight end. Young gives them insurance at the edge rusher position ahead of the draft.

The Draft:

1st Round – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Given how free agency went, the Bears have some flexibility with this pick. As a result, they land a talented pass rusher who can pair nicely with Montez Sweat. Scourton has excellent size, is a good athlete, and has shown significant progress in his fundamentals as a pass rusher. Dennis Allen loves big defensive ends who can get after it. Scourton fits that mold. This would give the Bears that critical trio of rushers they need.

2nd Round – Wyatt Milum, OL, West Virginia

Johnson showed in Detroit that he loves his offensive linemen to be big boys with plenty of power. Milum checks those boxes. He’s large at 6’6, 317 lbs, and displays loads of strength both in his grip and his anchor against the pass rush. He can displace defenders in the run game with plenty of nastiness in his style. Most expect him to move inside to guard, which is where the Bears need him.

2nd Round (via CAR) – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Having an interior pass rush is vital to success in today’s NFL. Chicago may already have Gervon Dexter, but they can’t justify passing on someone like Nolen if he’s still available. The kid is the class three-technique type with explosive athleticism to shoot gaps and power to drive offensive linemen back. He won’t eat up blocks as a run defender, but that isn’t a big deal with the upside he offers.

3rd Round – Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State

Johnson’s offense features running back position loads, which means he will need multiple talented bodies. Judkins was an absolute workhorse for the national champion Buckeyes. He’s well-built, tough, strong, and difficult to bring down. He’s explosive enough to hit for big plays and is reliable in pass protection. If the Bears wanted somebody perfect to pair with D’Andre Swift, this is their guy.

5th Round – Jared Wilson, C, Georgia

He won’t win awards for size or power, but Wilson is a tenacious and athletic blocker who improved significantly over the course of the 2024 season. This Bears 2025 mock offseason can’t end without some type of draft investment at center. Wilson needs some development, but he’s got the building blocks of a future starter.

6th Round – Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

Kevin Byard isn’t getting any younger. The Bears have to start thinking about life after him at safety. Moore isn’t the most physical presence, but he makes up for that with tremendous athleticism, instincts, and ball skills. He has seven interceptions and 25 passes defended in college.

7th Round – David Walker, EDGE, Central Arkansas

Being on the shorter side (6’2) as an edge rusher and coming from an FCS program will make it difficult for Walker to go high in the draft. At the same time, when you post 31 sacks in three seasons, it is hard not to take notice. This kid has a natural feel for getting the quarterback. Such types are worthwhile gambles.