The Chicago Bears put a lot of effort into their offense this offseason. There are new additions to this group via the draft, trades, and free agency.
Over the last handful of years, the team has been rebuilding but the offense was the biggest weakness all along. Even when the team was a division winner back in 2018, there was a limit to the amount of points they could score. That ceiling on that side of the ball was their biggest downfall.
Here we are in 2024, and it looks like it could be a strength of the team. There are a handful of new players there who could change the entire outlook of the team moving forward.
When training camp kicks off, all eyes will be on this new-look offense. Here is one player to watch at each position on offense at Bears training camp:
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 04: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 04, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bears selected the former Heisman Trophy winner with the first overall pick in this year’s draft. The hope is that he’s the franchise quarterback of the future and a guy who helps the team finally have sustained success.
Of course, Williams is the quarterback that everybody wants to see in training camp. We won’t truly know what the Bears have in him for a couple of years, but training camp will show us early signs. It’s easy to be skeptical when it comes to anything Bears-related, but he deserves a fair shake.
Williams’ resume in college speaks for itself. He wasn’t on the greatest team either so we’ll see what he can do with some of these new weapons that the Bears have put around him. Not only is he the quarterback to keep an eye on, but he’s also the top player to keep an eye on. Any success that Chicago has going forward is predicated on Williams being a good player.
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 04: D’Andre Swift #4 of the Chicago Bears looks on during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall on June 04, 2024 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bears spent some money during the offseason. They are looking to take their offense to the next level and you can’t do that without an effective running back. They believe that they got that with D’Andre Swift, who has been impressive during his NFL career with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. Now, he comes to Chicago hoping to make an impact here.
If the Bears want to develop Williams and his game through the air, they are going to need a good running game to complement it. With Swift, teams won’t know for sure what’s coming when it comes to the run vs. the pass. We haven’t seen Swift play for Chicago, and it’s been a while since they’ve had a back that they can rely on to be a star in the league (even in a committee approach). Swift could be that guy if he stays healthy.
May 23, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) warms up during organized team activities at Halas Hall Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking of developing Williams and his passing game, he needs good wide receivers there to help him move the football. And he has that in place with veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, as well as fellow rookie Rome Odunze. All three of these guys can come right in and be stars this year.
The most exciting one to watch coming into camp, however, is Odunze. He was the ninth overall pick and will forever be linked to Williams, who went eight picks earlier. Odunze has all of the skills in the world. He can win in contested catch situations and can run routes with the best of them. Bringing this to the Bears will go a long way for this offense.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 08: Tight end Cole Kmet #85 of the Chicago Bears carries the ball after making a catch during the 3rd quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on January 08, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bears are a team that always likes to use a good tight end. When you look at the elite teams in the league, they all have one of those number-one guys in this position. In fact, Chicago has two solid pass-catching tight ends with Kmet and free-agent addition Gerald Everett.
The Bears still believe (and rightfully so) that Kmet is their guy. The former Notre Dame star has been great so far in the NFL, which includes earning a contract extension last summer before having a career year. That came with inconsistent quarterback play, but he still found ways to put up decent numbers.
Now, imagine that Williams becomes a star. Kmet will be one of the main beneficiaries as he should be in line for lots of targets, especially in the red zone. Keep an eye on Kmet in camp because he could help elevate this offense if everyone does their job. There might not be a bigger X-factor on the roster besides the quarterback.
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago may not have a Super Bowl-winning offensive line, but it’s certainly improved under general manager Ryan Poles. If healthy, this offensive line should be enough to help Williams stay on his feet for most of the 2024 season.
The most important player on this unit right now is second-year tackle Darnell Wright, who was selected 10th overall in 2023. This looks like it could be a pick that pays off for the Bears for a decade. He’s a truly great tackle and could be in line for multiple Pro Bowl appearances.
Wright had an impressive rookie season, where he was one of the best right tackles in the league, and that makes you wonder how good he can be with a little more seasoning. 2024 could be a huge year for this talented young player.
