The Chicago Bears may have achieved more than anyone thought possible in Ben Johnson's rookie season by winning a playoff game and seeing Caleb Williams ascend to near-elite levels, but Ryan Poles needs to put that season in the rear-view mirror as he prepares for what could be an extremely important 2026 NFL Draft.
The Bears will need to spend most of their NFL Draft capital on improving the team's defense, as Dennis Allen's group started to fall apart in critical moments while Williams and the offense bailed them out. Cornerback and pass rusher were weak spots that more effective offenses have no trouble working around.