5 Bears predictions that can come true before the 2025 NFL season even kicks off, including who starts Week 1 at left tackle
The Chicago Bears are still on summer break until late July when the team reports back for training camp, and soon after that the 2025 regular season will kick off.Yes, it really goes that fast once the players are back on field.And since it goes fast, now is the best time to predict what could […]
The Chicago Bears are still on summer break until late July when the team reports back for training camp, and soon after that the 2025 regular season will kick off.
Yes, it really goes that fast once the players are back on field.
And since it goes fast, now is the best time to predict what could happen over the next few weeks prior to Week 1, including roster battles and preseason expectations.
Ozzy Trapilo earns the starting left tackle role
This will be Chicago's main roster battle in training camp at one of the most important positions in football. During OTAs and minicamp, Kiran Amegadjie and rookie Ozzy Trapilo rotated at left tackle and the battle will really ramp up in training camp.
Incumbent starter Braxton Jones is expected to return from injury at some point in camp, giving the staff three players to fully evaluate at the position.
Based on all the reviews, I can see the coaches rolling with the rookie. I think he's more than ready for the role and if it doesn't work out, the Bears can easily pivot back to the former starter and use Trapilo as the swing tackle. As far as Week 1 goes, I have Trapilo blocking the blindside for Caleb Williams.
Multiple recent draft picks made by Ryan Poles get cut
Some tough decisions are going to have to be made when constructing the 53-man roster following training camp and the preseason.
With a new coaching staff led by Ben Johnson and Dennis Allen coming in, returning players shouldn't feel safe about their position on the roster, which includes some recent draft selections made by general manager Ryan Poles.
I can see multiple of those players getting cut later this summer. Recent draft picks such as WR Tyler Scott, DT Zacch Pickens, and even OL Doug Kramer Jr. still have a lot to prove to this new staff if they want to stick around in Chicago.
Bears won't make any roster additions, barring injury
I get it. Everyone likes debating whether or not certain players will join their team. The Bears seem content with the roster as is going into training camp, and that will likely continue going into Week 1, barring any major injury.
Chicago decided to pass on Nick Chubb and JK Dobbins (who's to say they were even interested) and people are still throwing out other RB options. The same goes for potentially adding another edge rusher to the mix.
At this point, I believe the coaches want to see what they have currently in the building, which will continue throughout the rest of the offseason.
Tyson Bagent leads the NFL in TDs during the preseason
Preseason is always the time to prove yourself, both to your current team and to other teams potentially keeping an eye on your performance. This upcoming preseason will be an important one for backup QB Tyson Bagent.
The last time Bagent saw meaningful action was last preseason when he won the QB2 job battling against veteran Brett Rypien. He's faced in a similar battle this summer with Case Keenum joining the quarterback room.
In four preseason games last season, Bagent had three total touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a 119.9 passer rating. This year, I can see Bagent getting more preseason opportunties to see how he handles this new offense, and I can see him leading all QBs in touchdowns during the preseason action.
Ian Wheeler shines in preseason, but gets left off the roster
Another preseason darling in 2024 was undrafted free agent running back Ian Wheeler, until he suffered a torn ACL. Prior to that injury, Wheeler averaged 4.3 yards per carry and had two touchdowns while looking like an explosive runner.
Due to the injury, the Bears were able to keep Wheeler on the roster, but now the team has a crowded backfield on the roster. With D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Kyle Monangai set to share the touches on offense, Wheeler will have to compete against Travis Homer for a final roster spot. I can see Wheeler having a strong preseason running the ball but still losing out to Homer due to special teams value.
Fret not, Wheeler would be an easy practice squad candidate to bring back as long as no other team claims him.
6 returning starters who could be playing their final season in Chicago as the Bears get set to enter a pivotal turning point
Pressure is on for these six starters.
