Is ESPN too low on the Chicago Bears’ future outlook?

Every year, ESPN ranks each NFL team’s prospects for the next three years. These rankings are created by Louis Riddick, Dan Graziano, and Aaron Schatz, scoring each team’s quarterback, then the rest of the roster, followed by the coaching staff, and last of all, the front office.

A score of 80 or above is considered very good. Below that, it’s average or bad. For the 2024 edition of this list, the Chicago Bears ranked 20th overall.

Caleb Williams earned an 80.7, which is good for 13th best (wildly impressive for a rookie). The front office got the next-best mark at 79.3, the coaching staff was at 77, and (somehow) the rest of the roster was the lowest-scored part of this ranking but still at a respectable 76.

When it comes to reasons for concern, Riddick had this to say:

“The spotlight is on the coaching staff, specifically offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. His ability to form a relationship, teach, support, encourage and maximize Williams” talents will be scrutinized. Nothing is more important regarding the success of his franchise going forward.”