The Chicago Bears are heading into 2025 with a roster that looks dramatically different, and potentially more dangerous, than previous squads. While most of the headlines this offseason have focused on the incoming offensive weapons, it’s the offensive line that should be the star of the show. According to Pro Football Focus, the Bears’ offensive line is ranked fourth in the NFL heading into next season, thanks to a combination of young tackles and major upgrades in the interior. And the statistics paint a better picture of just how good this offensive line can be next season.
Bears’ Offensive Line Ranked 4th in the NFL by PFF, Led by the Interior Group
GettyDarnell Wright #58 and Jonah Jackson #73 of the Chicago Bears.
The main topic of discussion regarding the Bears’ offensive line centers on the “Big 3” new additions: left guard Joe Thuney, center Drew Dalman, and right guard Jonah Jackson.
Thuney continues to prove he’s one of the most complete offensive linemen of his generation. At 32 years old, he remains elite, having been one of only two linemen in the league last season to log over 200 snaps at both guard (850) and tackle (210). Projected to start at left guard for the Bears, Thuney allowed pressure on just 4.4% of his pass-blocking snaps, ranking third among all players at his position. His consistency, versatility, and veteran presence instantly raise the floor for the Bears’ offensive line.
Anchoring the middle is Dalman, who’s become one of the premier centers in the NFL. He was left one-on-one on 45.4% of his pass-blocking snaps, which was the second-highest rate among centers (min. 200 pass blocks), and only allowed pressure just 4.0% of the time, ranking fifth in that group. Even more impressive is his dominance in the run game, particularly in outside zone schemes, where his 93.0 grade since 2022 trails only Trent Williams, Chris Lindstrom, Frank Ragnow, and Penei Sewell. People think one of the offensive skill players will be new head coach Ben Johnson’s favorite weapon, but it might very well be Dalman with his ability to get out in open space and dominate defenders.
Meanwhile, Jackson is looking to bounce back from an underwhelming 2024 season with the Los Angeles Rams. He’s proven his ability in pass protection, having faced one-on-one blocking assignments on 56.0% of snaps between 2020 and 2023 (third-highest rate among all interior offensive linemen over that span). With a reunion now in place with Johnson, who helped him to a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, the Bears are betting that Jackson can return to form in a system that fits his strengths.
Offensive Tackles
Only six offensive tackles recorded a higher PFF run-blocking grade than right tackle Darnell Wright last season, and he should finally have some stability next to him. He improved in his sophomore season, going from 35 blown blocks, six holding calls, and five false starts in 2023 to just 20 blown blocks, zero holding calls, and four false starts in 2024. Expect Wright to have a monster year next season.
The most intriguing part of the Bears’ offensive line will be at left tackle. Starting left tackle Braxton Jones is recovering from an ankle injury he suffered last season, but PFF noted that Jones and Wright both finished among the 22 highest-graded offensive tackles in 2024. If Jones isn’t at full strength when the season starts, the Bears have two youngsters they can turn to: 2024 third-round pick Kiran Amegadjie and 2025 second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo.
Both have an opportunity to play meaningful snaps in a revamped offensive line that’s already being labeled as a top-five offensive line in the NFL. Who knows, the real secret weapon on the Bears’ offense might be the offensive line.
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