Offensive Explosion? Bears breakout candidates to watch in 2025 |
Dustin Riese
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- 6 hours ago
It's hard to believe, but in less than a month, things will start to get real for the Chicago Bears as NFL training camp gets underway. That will be followed by the preseason and then the regular season, as the Bears are eager for a brand-new season to begin.
When it comes to Chicago, not only is the fan base excited for what is to come, but this team has the highest expectations it has had in quite some time, which is why the excitement is building. From the draft to free agency and the potential moves to come, this team is arguably the most improved team in the NFL, and that comes with the pressure of succeeding right away. It's pressure that Ben Johnson and his group are ready to take head-on as they feel they have the team that can make the playoffs this season and potentially even win the division. For that to happen, several things need to occur, including players performing at the level they are capable of, maintaining good health, and players breaking out to become true contributors for this team. When it comes to potential breakout performers, the Bears have numerous players capable of making an impact on both sides of the ball. Should they have career years or players putting up close to career years, this team will be in great shape. Here are some potential breakout stars for the offensive side of the ball.
Perhaps the most surprising name on this list is the rookie tight end Coleston Loveland, who has been turning heads at camp since day one. Taken No.10 overall in the first round, Loveland was rated as the second-best tight end prospect behind Cole Warren, but was viewed as the top target for Johnson and his staff. He is entering a situation where the Bears have a proven tight end in Cole Kmet, so many believe that the Bears will bring Loveland along slowly to let him develop at his own pace. That may not be the case, as Loveland is expected to be on the field a lot this season and could emerge as the Bears' top tight end before too long. He has the size, the hands, and the overall athletic ability to be a special player, and the Bears are going to maximize his potential on the field in any way possible. He is someone who could wind up with 500-600 yards receiving as a rookie while adding seven TDs if used properly in the redzone.
When the Bears drafted Odunze No. 9 overall in the 2024 NFL draft, several questions came with that pick. The biggest question was why target a wide receiver when you had other needs on this team. The answer was simple: Odunze was the second or third-best wide receiver, depending on who you asked. With Keenan Allen signed to a one-year deal, he was expected to be the team's No. 2 this season. Not only did Odunze produce as a rookie, emerging as the team's no. 2 option by mid-season, but he was Caleb Williams' most trusted option for a good chunk of the season, which goes to show the type of chemistry those two created in year one. Now, with a full offseason under their belt and plenty of time to gel together, Odunze and Williams are ready to take the NFL by storm this season, as Odunze is poised to break out in 2025. While DJ Moore may finish with the most receiving yards again this season, don't expect Odunze to be too far behind, as he easily could top the 1000-yard mark in 2025. He could also lead this team in touchdown receptions, as his ability to get open inside the red zone is going to be huge for this team.
It goes without saying that the single most important player on this team is their quarterback, and it shouldn't surprise anyone to see him land as a potential breakout player. Sure, his rookie year had its ups and downs, but with a team record for passing yards by a rookie, paired with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, the potential was on full display as Williams passed most tests in his first year. Had he not been on his back a league-high 68 times, those numbers would've been better as the offensive line continued to struggle last season. With the Bears investing tons of equity into that offensive line this offseason, Williams has all the tools in place to not only stay upright but to become the first 4000-yard passer in team history. Should that happen, this team will be in great shape as they aim to reclaim the North in 2025.Coleston Loveland
Rome Odunze
Caleb Williams
