A BOMBSHELL RANKING ON THE BEARS, AND ONE ROOKIE MISTAKE PROVES THEY WEREN'T EVEN PAYING ATTENTION

ESPN ranked the Chicago Bears 17th overall for 2026, the same ranking they gave the team during its disappointing 5-12 season in 2024, despite what appears to be a significantly improved roster, and their positional breakdown even mistakenly listed an injured (torn Achilles) linebacker ahead of a healthier veteran on the depth chart. ESPN identified the offensive line as the team's biggest strength, citing its league-best 73.6% pass block win rate after a full offseason overhaul, and the defensive line as the biggest weakness, pointing to poor pass rush (31st) and run stop (26th) win rates, with uncertainty around aging/injured defensive tackles and unproven depth at edge rusher. ESPN named the young starting quarterback the team's "X-factor" due to his below-average accuracy metrics, though the analysis pushes back on that label, arguing his high floor (big-play ability, low turnovers) makes him more of a proven asset than a true wildcard, suggesting players like the developing edge rusher or injury-prone cornerbacks better fit that description. Finally, ESPN's "non-starter to know" was a veteran edge rusher who signed a big contract but was limited to one sack in eight games before a season-ending injury, with the analysis noting his underlying metrics before joining Chicago suggest he could still provide four-to-five sacks and solid run defense in a rotational role if he can stay healthy.