The Chicago Bears have been a franchise in flux for the past several seasons, but as they approach the 2025 NFL Draft and prepare for their upcoming minicamp, there’s a palpable sense of urgency under the guidance of head coach Ben Johnson. With the Bears’ roster filled with potential but lacking consistency in several key areas, Johnson’s leadership will be critical in shaping the team’s direction as they prepare for another season in the NFL.
Johnson has made it clear that he’s ready to hit the ground running. His focus on player development, building a balanced team, and securing long-term success for the franchise has already begun to take shape. As the NFL Draft draws closer and the team’s minicamp is just around the corner, Johnson is keenly aware of the critical juncture the Bears find themselves at. His ability to maximize the team’s potential during these important offseason events will go a long way in determining whether the Bears can take the next step toward being contenders in the NFC.
Ben Johnson’s Vision for the Bears
Since being hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson has been nothing short of impressive. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic mindset, Johnson has built a reputation as a tactician with a clear vision for the future of his team. But more than just a strategist, Johnson has shown that he’s a coach capable of instilling confidence and driving his players toward consistent improvement.
When Johnson took the job, he inherited a team that was young, talented, but with numerous holes that needed filling—particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. He also inherited a quarterback in Justin Fields who had shown flashes of brilliance but still had much to prove when it came to consistency in the passing game. Since his hiring, Johnson has emphasized a strong, balanced offensive scheme and a defense that thrives on creating pressure and turnovers.
His vision for the Bears revolves around a few key principles:
- Building from the trenches: The offensive and defensive lines are foundational to Johnson’s strategy. He understands that for Justin Fields to grow into a franchise quarterback, the offensive line must provide him with the protection and time he needs to develop. Similarly, the defense needs to control the line of scrimmage and be disruptive to create favorable situations for the secondary.
- Developing young talent: As the Bears’ roster continues to evolve, Johnson has made it clear that developing young players is a priority. The team has several young players at key positions, including Fields, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and safety Jaquan Brisker. Johnson’s focus on player development is geared toward maximizing the potential of these players and turning them into building blocks for the future.
- Strategic free-agent acquisitions: While Johnson values the draft, he’s also been proactive in seeking free-agent solutions to help fill immediate gaps in the roster. The Bears have made some significant additions in recent years, but Johnson is likely to continue targeting veteran players who can step in and contribute immediately.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the team is at a crossroads, and Johnson’s ability to identify key players who can fill important roles will be a significant part of the team’s success in the coming years.
The Importance of the NFL Draft
The NFL Draft is always a critical event for every team, but for the Bears, it’s especially important. With a young team in a rebuilding phase, the draft is a major opportunity to secure foundational players who can provide immediate impact and long-term stability. Johnson’s ability to navigate the draft, make smart selections, and find players who fit his system will be pivotal to the team’s success.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears hold significant leverage, particularly with a high draft pick. While the Bears don’t have the top pick, they will still be in a strong position to add talent to their roster, particularly in areas that have plagued them for years, such as the offensive line and the secondary.
- Offensive Line: The offensive line remains one of the most pressing areas of need for the Bears. Despite the team’s best efforts to improve this unit in recent years, it’s still a weak link that holds back the team’s overall offensive efficiency. Justin Fields has shown that he can be a dynamic playmaker, but he needs time to read the defense and deliver the ball with accuracy. Without solid protection, he’s unable to fully develop into the quarterback the Bears need him to be. Johnson has emphasized the need to find a left tackle and interior linemen who can protect Fields and create running lanes for the Bears’ backfield. This will likely be one of the team’s top priorities in the draft.
- Secondary: While the Bears’ defense has shown flashes of greatness, their secondary has been inconsistent. With a pass-rush that can get to the quarterback, it’s essential for the secondary to lock down receivers and limit big plays. Adding a cornerback or safety who can contribute immediately would help solidify the back end of the defense. Johnson’s defense thrives on creating turnovers, so adding more playmakers in the secondary will be crucial to increasing their chances of success.
- Wide Receiver: While the Bears do have some talent at wide receiver with players like Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, there’s still a need for a true number-one receiver. A legitimate playmaker on the outside would give Justin Fields the weaponry he needs to succeed in the passing game. With Johnson’s offense needing to be both dynamic and balanced, finding a receiver who can win one-on-one matchups and stretch the field is another priority.
In the lead-up to the draft, Johnson has made it clear that his focus will be on acquiring players who fit his system and culture—players who can contribute early but also develop into key contributors in the future. Whether it’s through scouting, team workouts, or the draft combine, Johnson will be working overtime to ensure that the Bears are well-positioned to make smart picks when their turn comes.
Minicamp: The First Step Toward the 2025 Season
In addition to the NFL Draft, the upcoming minicamp is another crucial event for Ben Johnson and the Bears. Minicamps serve as a great opportunity to see how the new additions to the roster fit into the system, to work on fundamentals, and to begin building team chemistry. For Johnson, the minicamp is an essential starting point for preparing the Bears for the upcoming season.
The minicamp will give Johnson and his coaching staff the chance to evaluate players in a more controlled, practice-oriented setting. This will be especially important for the Bears’ younger players, who need to continue their development in the system. For Fields, the minicamp will be an important chance to fine-tune his mechanics, develop a stronger rapport with his receivers, and begin to learn more of the nuances of the offensive scheme Johnson is implementing.
The minicamp will also allow Johnson to start to implement his philosophy of accountability and preparation. He’s already made it clear that he’s looking for players who are willing to work hard and compete every day. The minicamp will be a key evaluation point for those on the roster—whether they are starters or depth pieces. Johnson wants to ensure that everyone is on the same page as the team heads into the season.
Additionally, the minicamp will serve as an opportunity for Johnson to work directly with his coaching staff to install offensive and defensive schemes. With a revamped offensive line and several young pieces on defense, Johnson and his staff will work closely with players to teach them the ins and outs of the system and help them understand their roles in it.
The Big Picture: A Culture of Winning
Ben Johnson’s approach to building the Bears into a winning team goes far beyond just improving the roster with a few high-profile players. For Johnson, it’s about creating a culture of consistency, discipline, and resilience. In his mind, success isn’t just about adding talent—it’s about shaping players into professionals who understand the importance of teamwork, preparation, and accountability.
“I’m not looking for instant success,” Johnson said. “What I’m looking for is sustained excellence. We need to be a team that focuses on getting better every single day, whether that’s in practice, in the film room, or in the weight room. The ultimate goal is to build a foundation where we are consistently competitive and constantly improving.”
For the Bears, this means a long-term approach—one that focuses on developing young players, making smart roster decisions, and building an environment that encourages hard work and growth. The draft and minicamp are just the beginning of that process, but Johnson’s commitment to a culture of continuous improvement is what will make the Bears a force to be reckoned with in the NFC in the coming years.
The Road Ahead for the Chicago Bears
As the NFL Draft and the minicamp approach, the Chicago Bears are entering a critical phase of their rebuilding process. With Ben Johnson at the helm, the team is poised to make smart, strategic moves that will pay dividends in both the short and long term. From fortifying the trenches to developing young players and building a culture of accountability, Johnson’s approach to the Bears’ future is comprehensive and methodical.
The draft will be an opportunity to add critical pieces to the roster, while the minicamp will serve as the first real test of how the team’s young players integrate into the system. For Johnson, the focus will always be on building a foundation of success, one brick at a time. As the 2025 season approaches, the Bears have the right coach in place to turn their potential into reality.