The dust has finally settled on the 2025 NFL Draft, and with rookie minicamps set to open, the attention shifts from projections to expectations. Few teams emerged from the draft with more buzz than the Chicago Bears, who walked away with what many consider the NFL’s most impactful rookie class — headlined by quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze.

But despite the hype, where do the Bears actually stand in the pecking order of NFL teams heading into the 2025 season? Have they done enough to rise into the top half of the league — or even push for playoff contention? According to most national power rankings released post-draft, the Bears are hovering in the 14–18 range, a dramatic climb from their bottom-tier standing just two years ago.

Let’s take a comprehensive look at where the Bears rank, why they’ve improved, what’s still holding them back, and how they stack up against the rest of the league post-draft.

2025 Post-Draft Power Rankings: Consensus Bears Placement

Here’s a snapshot of where the Bears sit in major national media power rankings as of late April 2025:

Average Rank: 15.9 (16th overall)

While not a top-10 team — yet — the Bears have taken a major leap in respectability, especially considering they finished 7–10 in 2024 and haven’t made the playoffs since 2020. The consensus among analysts is clear: Chicago is no longer rebuilding — they’re rising.

What’s Driving the Jump?

1. The Arrival of Caleb Williams

The number one driver of Chicago’s rising status is obvious: Caleb Williams.

Drafted first overall out of USC, Williams brings elite arm talent, playmaking creativity, and charisma to a team that’s lacked quarterback stability for decades. He’s drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers for his off-platform ability and field vision.

Analysts agree that even if Williams isn’t a finished product in Year 1, his upside dramatically raises Chicago’s ceiling. ESPN’s Dan Graziano put it best:

“You can’t talk about a power ranking without discussing the quarterback. The Bears went from a question mark to a potential top-10 situation with Caleb Williams.”

2. Offensive Weapons Around Him

The Bears’ offensive core is now one of the most promising in the league. With DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze as a trio of receivers, plus Cole Kmet at tight end and a solid running back room, Williams will have no shortage of weapons.

In particular, Odunze — drafted No. 9 overall — is expected to make an immediate impact with his route-running, size, and hands. Pro Football Focus graded the Bears’ draft as the #2 overall class, noting that Odunze was a “steal” at 9.

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks called Chicago’s WR corps:

“Sneaky elite — three guys who can win on every level of the field. That’s rare for a rookie QB to inherit.”

3. Improved Offensive Line

The Bears spent the 2024 and 2025 offseasons investing heavily in the offensive line. With Darnell Wright holding down right tackle, Teven Jenkins at guard, and 2025 first-round pick Olu Fashanu at left tackle, the unit is shaping into one of the more athletic lines in the NFC.

That kind of protection is crucial for a young quarterback and gives the Bears the flexibility to run more designed QB movement and deep play-action shots — a cornerstone of new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s scheme.

4. Ascending Defense

While the offense is grabbing headlines, the defense quietly became one of the most aggressive and opportunistic units down the stretch in 2024. Led by Montez Sweat, T.J. Edwards, and Jaquan Brisker, the Bears’ D allowed only 19.8 PPG over the final six games of the 2024 season.

They also ranked top-5 in takeaways — something head coach Matt Eberflus preaches in his “HITS” philosophy (Hustle, Intensity, Takeaways, Smart Football).

Add in the free-agent signing of Kevin Byard at safety and second-year CB Tyrique Stevenson continuing to develop, and the Bears may have one of the most underrated defenses in the NFL.

Key Additions Beyond the Draft

In addition to Williams and Odunze, the Bears made several veteran moves that are bolstering their power ranking stock:

• Gerald Everett (TE): A solid, athletic veteran to complement Kmet.

• D’Andre Swift (RB): Signed to provide depth and explosiveness.

• Kevin Byard (S): Leadership and savvy in the secondary.

• Ryan Bates (OL): Acquired via trade to boost OL versatility.

These additions give Chicago depth and veteran experience, especially important given the youth at quarterback.

Why They Aren’t Higher: Remaining Concerns

While the Bears are now squarely in the middle of the NFL pack, analysts stop short of placing them in the top 10 for several reasons:

1. Unproven QB Play

Yes, Caleb Williams has immense talent, but he’s still a rookie. And history shows that even elite prospects often struggle early — especially on the road and under pressure.

Until Williams proves he can handle NFL defenses, skepticism remains warranted.

CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco wrote:

“You love the tools, love the draft — but can we see it first? Rookies don’t just walk in and win 10 games.”

2. Shane Waldron’s System Still Unproven in Chicago

While Waldron showed flashes in Seattle, he had inconsistency with Geno Smith at times. Now he’s tasked with building a brand-new scheme around a rookie QB. That learning curve may cost the Bears early in the season.

How fast Williams, Waldron, and the offense mesh will determine whether Chicago ends up a wild-card team or a 7-win curiosity.

3. Tough Division

The NFC North is getting crowded. Detroit is a legitimate contender, Green Bay looks rejuvenated with Jordan Love, and Minnesota is rebuilding but still competitive.

Even if the Bears are better, there’s no guarantee of a playoff spot in a loaded NFC wild card race.

How They Compare: NFC North Breakdown

Here’s how the Bears stack up against their division rivals in most post-draft power rankings:

Takeaway: Chicago is third in their division — but closing fast on Green Bay. Their ceiling may be higher long-term due to their draft haul, but they’ll need to prove it early.

Ceiling and Floor: Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios

Analysts vary on how quickly the Bears will turn the corner. Here’s a look at their potential range for 2025:

Best-Case Scenario

• Williams lives up to the hype early

• Offensive line gels

• Defense remains opportunistic

• Result: 11–6, wild card berth, playoff win

Worst-Case Scenario

• Rookie QB struggles

• Injuries at WR or OL

• Defense regresses without consistent pass rush

• Result: 6–11, miss playoffs, “wait till 2026”

The most likely outcome in power rankings consensus?
8–9 to 10–7, narrowly competing for a wild card spot.

The National View: Respect, Finally

Across the NFL media landscape, one word keeps popping up with the Bears post-draft: respect.

They’re no longer a punchline. No longer a team in transition. For the first time in years, they have a direction — and power rankings are recognizing that.

Dan Orlovsky (ESPN):

“Chicago is about to be fun. If Williams is even 75% of what people expect, they’re in every game. That’s a dangerous team.”

Peter King (NBC Sports):

“Poles nailed this offseason. Bears went from rudderless to relevant in 12 months.”

Final Thoughts: Ranking With a Bullet

The Bears are currently ranked 16th in most post-draft power rankings — and they earned every bit of that rise. With an elite QB prospect, dangerous weapons, improved trenches, and a quietly strong defense, Chicago has the blueprint of a team that could shock the league.

They aren’t quite contenders yet. But they’re no longer rebuilding, either. They’re in the rare and exciting “rising threat” tier — and if everything clicks, they could be the NFL’s next great turnaround story.

For fans, after years of futility, that’s more than enough reason for hope.