Tremaine Edmunds / Getty Images

One Bears Defender Just Made a Prestigious NFL Top 10 List

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 9:21 AM ET

After a rocky 2024, a Bears linebacker still finds his way onto a top 10 list.

The Chicago Bears are just a week away from opening training camp under new head coach Ben Johnson, and optimism is buzzing around Halas Hall. While much of the offseason talk has focused on leadership changes along with offensive and defensive upgrades, a surprising storyline has emerged on the defensive side. One Bears defender, despite heavy criticism last season, has landed on an elite list that has executives and scouts talking.

That player is Tremaine Edmunds. After appearing on multiple ‘most overpaid players’ lists and earning $18 million per year, expectations were sky-high in 2024.

Instead, Edmunds struggled to justify the paycheck. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 119th-best linebacker, and critics were vocal about his lack of production. Still, Edmunds cracked ESPN’s ranking of the NFL’s top 10 off-ball linebackers for 2025, voted on by executives, coaches, and scouts.

‘Voters are mixed on Edmunds, whose production doesn't always match his physical tools. He's 6-foot-5, 250 pounds with long arms and can move. Scouts tend to lean his way because of his scheme-transcendent traits,’ ESPN reported. One NFL personnel director added: ‘He has the prototypical physique, athletic ability and speed that you covet in an ILB in today's game. He can diagnose downhill, play sideline to sideline, and cover in zone or man.’

TJ Edwards hit created this pick.

Great return by Tremaine Edmunds. pic.twitter.com/lI4jMyNIwK
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 17, 2023

The talent is undeniable, and his awareness displayed in a clip shared by Dave on X, but so are the concerns. Edmunds hasn’t made a Pro Bowl since 2019, and last year’s three tackles for loss were a career low. For Edmunds, 2025 isn’t just another season—it’s a prove-it year in Chicago.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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