The Chicago Bears are starting to feel like a franchise reborn. After years of frustration and instability at quarterback, Chicago finally appears to be building something sustainable, and most importantly, exciting. That optimism was reflected in ESPN’s recent NFL under-25 talent rankings, where the Bears earned a spot in the top five, validating their aggressive draft approach and commitment to a youth-first rebuild under general manager Ryan Poles.
Chicago Bears Youth Movement Earns Top-Five Spot in ESPN’s Under-25 Talent Rankings
The rankings, according to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, are based on a combination of factors:
-
Total starts and snaps by players under 25
-
Age-adjusted performance quality, with bonus weight for Pro Bowl/All-Pro honors
-
Contract value and duration for under-25 talent
-
Positional value (e.g., QB weighted more than RB or specialists)
-
Draft capital impact from the 2025 class (Rounds 1–3 emphasized)
-
Projected under-25 starters and key backups in 2025
-
Notable injuries or suspensions affecting under-25 availability in 2025
That said, the Bears came in at No. 5, just under the Houston Texans (1), Seattle Seahawks (2), Washington Commanders (3), and the New York Giants (4).
The centerpiece, Caleb Williams, has shown he can still produce despite playing with three different offensive play callers and a lackluster offensive line during his rookie season. And with a seemingly improved coaching staff and revamped offensive line, the sky’s the limit for the 2024 No. 1 overall pick.
But it’s not just about Williams; it’s also how the Bears have surrounded him with potential franchise cornerstones on both sides of the ball.
Schatz listed Rome Odunze, Darnell Wright, and rookie Colston Loveland along with Williams as blue-chip players. Odunze has been dominant so far in camp and gives the Bears a true X-factor at wide receiver. Wright is just 24 years old and coming off a solid sophomore campaign as the team’s starting right tackle. And time will tell with Loveland, but he’s only 21 years old and already drawing praise for his athleticism and mismatch potential.
That’s just the start. While some of last year’s top contributors to the list, like Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson, have “graduated” from the under-25 list, the team’s newest additions keep the Bears in the top five.
Draft Capital is the Engine of Chicago’s Rebuild
GettyLuther Burden III #87 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill.
No team in the NFL has benefited more from recent draft capital than the Bears. After trading the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, Chicago not only landed D.J. Moore but also stockpiled a war chest of picks that fueled this youth movement. That investment is now starting to pay off in both depth and high-end talent.
As a result of the infamous trade, the Bears ended up with Stevenson, Williams, Tory Taylor, and Luther Burden III—an insane haul.
In the latest draft, the Bears also selected Ozzy Trapilo and Shemar Turner in the second round, who bring valuable depth to the trenches. Trapilo looks like an Asgardian straight out of a Thor movie, standing at 6’8″ and 316 pounds, and Turner looks to form a formidable duo with Gervon Dexter Sr., who is still just 23 years old after two seasons in the NFL.
And there are still other players who are under 25 on the Bears roster that are expected to contribute, including Roschon Johnson (24), Kyle Monangai (23), Austin Booker (22), Dayo Odeyingbo (25), and Ruben Hyppolite II (23).
ESPN’s ranking is more than just a pat on the back; it’s a sign that the Bears are doing things the right way. And if Williams lives up to the hype, this under-25 group might just carry the Bears back to relevance.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Bears ‘Under 25’ Core Making Waves in Latest ESPN Rankings appeared first on Heavy Sports.