NFL.com Ranks Bears' 2025 Rookie Class as Best in the League

The Bears' young talent led them to a division title in 2025 and has the team's championship window opening wider than expected.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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According to NFL.com's post-Super Bowl evaluation, the Chicago Bears had the most impactful rookie class in the league in 2025. Seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai, second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III, and first-round tight end Colston Loveland all made major contributions to the Bears' offense, which saw a dramatic improvement from 2024 to 2025. The Bears' strong draft classes over the past few years, combined with the right coaching staff, have set the team up for long-term success.

Why it matters

The Bears' 2025 rookie class played a crucial role in the team's turnaround from last place in the NFC North to division champions. This recognition from NFL.com validates the team's draft strategy and player development, suggesting the Bears' championship window may be opening sooner than expected.

The details

According to the NFL.com evaluation, the Bears' 2025 rookie class was the best in the league. Seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai became a foundational piece of the Bears' run game, second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III emerged as an explosive threat, and first-round tight end Colston Loveland established himself as one of the top young pass-catchers in the NFL. Even the team's first-round pick, left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, turned in a fantastic rookie year before suffering a season-ending injury.

  • The Bears made one of the biggest year-over-year jumps in the NFL, finishing sixth in total offense after ranking last in 2024.

The players

Kyle Monangai

A seventh-round running back who became a foundational piece of the Bears' run game.

Luther Burden III

A second-round wide receiver who turned into an explosive threat for the Bears' offense.

Colston Loveland

A first-round tight end who emerged as one of the top young pass-catching tight ends in the NFL.

Ozzy Trapilo

The Bears' first-round pick at left tackle, who turned in a fantastic rookie year before suffering a season-ending injury.

Caleb Williams

The Bears' starting quarterback, who deserves a lot of the credit for the team's turnaround.

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What’s next

If this young core of Bears continues to develop, Chicago's championship window might just be opening wider than anyone expected.

The takeaway

The Bears' strong draft classes over the past few years, combined with the right coaching staff, have set the team up for long-term success. This recognition from NFL.com validates the team's strategy and suggests their championship window may be opening sooner than expected.