5 defensive bold predictions for the Bears 2025 season including a bounce-back for Montez Sweat and breakouts from ascending players
The Chicago Bears are going to have some high expectations on the offensive side of the ball with head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, but the pressure will be on the defense as well under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.The unit got some notable additions through free agency and the 2025 draft to bolster […]
The Chicago Bears are going to have some high expectations on the offensive side of the ball with head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, but the pressure will be on the defense as well under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
The unit got some notable additions through free agency and the 2025 draft to bolster some depth and add some players that fit the new energy being instilled.
When it comes to the overall production for the unit, here are five defensive bold predictions for the 2025 season.
1. Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo post career-highs in sacks
Let's start with Montez Sweat, who saw some regression in 2024. Now, that regression was mainly caused by a lingering ankle/shin injury that nagged him all season long. But, part of the regression was caused by the double-team rate as well.
To combat the latter, the Bears went out to sign Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency, a lengthy edge who's still yet to hit his true upside as a pass rusher.
Working together off the edge, I see big things coming for Sweat and Odeyingbo in 2025. Sweat's current career-high in sacks is 12.5, set in 2023 with the Bears and Commanders. Odeyingbo's career-high is 8.0, set in 2023. For context, in 2024, the Vikings, Texans, Ravens, Broncos and Cowboys all had two players total 10.0+ sacks each, so it's possible each player can set new career-highs playing together.
2. Dominique Robinson out-snaps Austin Booker
Going with another out-snap prediction. On the defensive side of the ball, I see Dominique Robinson playing more snaps than Austin Booker, and honestly I don't even view this one as that bold of a prediction.
Last season, Robinson totaled 84 defensive snaps in seven games. Booker, the fifth-round rookie, totaled 283 defensive snaps and played all 17 games. Here's why it's not that bold despite the numbers.
The new coaching staff seems to be really high on Robinson. Johnson listed his name as one of the four offseason standouts and he's been rotating in with the starters off the edge during OTAs and minicamp. As for Booker, the only thing mentioned about him is that the coaches wanted to see him put on some size and weight. Robinson's already the perfect size and frame for what Allen likes off the edge.
3. Jaquan Brisker starts all 17 games, earns contract extension
Now this is bold by definition. Jaquan Brisker has yet to play a full season in Chicago after suffering three concussions in three years, the latest knocked him out for 12 games and ended his season.
Brisker's been back on the field this offseason and looks like his normal self, which has been a comforting sign. After this third such injury though, Brisker doesn't seem interested in changing his play-style in a more aggressive scheme, which is concerning.
We'll see if he can hold up. I'm hoping he does and earns an extension with the team because there's a notable difference when #9 is on the field in Chicago.
4. T.J. Edwards finishes Top-5 in the NFL in tackles
Really bold would be saying T.J. Edwards leads the NFL in tackles, but I don't see him reaching that kind of level. Top-5 is still bold enough while being a feasible goal.
The magic number to finish Top-5 is usually 160+ tackles based on the last three seasons. In 2023, Edwards finished seventh in the league with 155 total tackles. Last season, he had 129 and ranked 22nd in the league.
After finally getting a well-earned extension, Edwards can look to prove the added investment was worth it by shining in a new defensive scheme.
5. Kyler Gordon, not Jaylon Johnson, receives Pro Bowl recognition
Now, this would be bold. In each of the last two seasons, cornerback Jaylon Johnson punched his ticket to the Pro Bowl by being among the league's best lockdown CBs.
I'm not saying Johnson won't play to that level again. Even in 2024, Johnson's play nearly went unnoticed because quarterbacks simply refused to throw his way and the national media never really saw the impact he was having. Kyler Gordon, on the other hand, can be noticeable to everyone all over the field and on the stat-sheet.
Dennis Allen plans to use Gordon as his defensive joker he will line up all over the field to create havoc. Which includes blitzing the quarterback. If he can light up opposing offenses week in and week out, he will generate a lot more national attention than Johnson locking up opposing #1 wide receivers.
