Bears Report Card: Grading the surprises, standouts, and disappointments from the first third of the 2025 season

Defensive superlatives

MVP: S Kevin Byard

The play has been filled with some highs and lows, but the leadership Kevin Byard brings to the defense gives him the slight edge as the defensive MVP over Tyrique Stevenson, whom I mention later on with another word. But, back to Byard, the team captain in the secondary has three interceptions on the season and always helps elevate those around him.

Glue guy: S Jaquan Brisker

The energy Jaquan Brisker brings to the building and on the field is evident. It took a while for Brisker to get his first big play of the season but after recording his first interception against the Commanders in Week 6, you can see why he was the choice for glue guy based on the celebration from his teammates.

Biggest surprise: CB Tyrique Stevenson

It's hard to go with anyone else but Tyrique Stevenson. Following Jaylon Johnson's injury, the spotlight was on Stevenson to see if he could step up as the team's top cornerback. After a few road bumps early in the season, Stevenson has started coming into his own in the role and it's been highly encouraging to see him play at this kind of level.

Biggest disappointment: DE Dayo Odeyingbo

In reality, either of the team's starting defensive ends could be given this award but for the sake of choosing one, I'm going with Dayo Odeyingbo. Chicago signed Odeyingbo in free agency to a rich deal considering his prior production in hopes that he was due for a breakout. So far, that hasn't happened and it's looking like a really rough return on investment if he doesn't start picking it up.

Turning point of the last six weeks: Four takeaway game vs. Dallas in Week 3

Again, that Dallas came was a big one. Following a disaster outing against the Detroit Lions defensively, the Bears reached a crossroads and the accountability from the coaches and players was handed perfectly. The next week, Chicago forced four takeaways against the Cowboys, fueling a dominating win for the team. Easily a major turning point after looking in the mirror.

Defense Overall Grade: C+

2025 draft class superlatives

Overachiever: OT Ozzy Trapilo

It wasn't the start Ozzy Trapilo imagined to his first NFL season after being listed as a healthy scratch for the first three games of the season. However, in Week 4, Trapilo was finally active and forced to step in off the bench at right tackle against one of the most relentless defenders in the league in Maxx Crosby while holding his own. To me, that was impressive stuff for a rookie that bodes well for the rest of his rookie year.

Rookie we need to see more from: RB Kyle Monangai

I mean this literally. Can we please start seeing more from Kyle Monangai. Not production-wise but literally more usage out of the seventh-round pick. With Swift struggling, it's getting frustrating to see the stubborn amount of opportunities he's getting. Monangai hasn't shown to be a game-changer, but he's shown he's willing to do the dirty work and needs to get more of those chances.

Underachiever: TE Colston Loveland

Similar to Monangai, the production and opportunities for first-round pick Colston Loveland have been a little frustrating. But as a first-round selection, Loveland falls into the underachiever category but it's worth noting it's largely been to factors outside of his control such as the matchup-based game planning and a hip injury that knocked him out of essentially two games.

Draft Class Overall Grade: D

Coaching report card

Ben Johnson brought a star-studded coaching staff to Chicago mixed with some veteran minds and up-and-comers. Through five games and six weeks, Johnson and his staff have already created a much stronger culture within the building and the accountability is widely different. The scheme on both sides of the ball is leaving a lot to be desired, but it's far too early to be worried about that right now.

Coaching Overall Grade: A-