The Chicago Bears’ remarkable turnaround in the 2025 NFL season, culminating in a first-place finish in the NFC North, was significantly bolstered by the performance of their 2025 draft class, according to an evaluation published February 11, 2026, by NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice.
Filice’s ranking of all 32 rookie classes awarded the Bears the top spot, citing the contributions of four rookies to an offense that rose from last in total yardage in 2024 to sixth in 2025. The Bears’ draft included tight end Colston Loveland (Round 1, No. 10), wide receiver Luther Burden III (Round 2, No. 39), offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo (Round 2, No. 56), and defensive tackle Shemar Turner (Round 2, No. 62). Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II (Round 4, No. 132), cornerback Zah Frazier (Round 5, No. 169), offensive guard Luke Newman (Round 6, No. 195), and running back Kyle Monangai (Round 7, No. 233) also contributed.
Filice specifically highlighted the impact of seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai, who rushed for 783 yards at an average of 4.6 yards per carry. The analyst credited head coach Ben Johnson with unlocking the potential of second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, but also emphasized the crucial role played by the incoming rookies in Williams’ development.
The evaluation comes as the NFL prepares for the 2026 NFL Draft, with speculation already mounting regarding potential top picks. Filice’s previous mock draft, published February 20, 2025, projected Cam Ward, a quarterback from Miami, as the first overall pick to the Tennessee Titans. That mock draft also predicted a trade by the New York Jets to secure the services of Shedeur Sanders, quarterback from Colorado, jumping ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Filice’s initial 2025 mock draft also forecasted a trade up by the Denver Broncos to acquire a top tight end prospect. The NFL Scouting Combine is scheduled to begin February 27, 2025, and is expected to significantly alter the draft landscape.
