Get ready to cheer, Bears fans! Two Chicago Bears stars have just been named to PFF's prestigious Top 101 Players list for the 2025 season, and their stories are nothing short of inspiring. But here's where it gets even more exciting: one of them is a rookie who's already making waves, while the other is a seasoned lineman who battled through injury to dominate the field. Let's dive into the details!
First up is Colston Loveland, the breakout rookie tight end who secured the No. 61 spot. This isn't his first accolade—he was also crowned PFF’s top rookie from the 2025 draft class. And this recognition is well-earned. Despite a slow start due to injury, the 10th overall pick from Michigan finished the season with an impressive 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns. For those who love advanced metrics, Loveland posted the highest total receiving EPA for a rookie tight end since 2017, clocking in at a stellar 45.0. But here’s the part most people miss: After Week 9, Loveland became a cornerstone of the Bears' offense, averaging 2.19 yards per route run—the second-best mark among NFL rookies during that stretch. His stock is clearly on the rise, and fans can't wait to see what he does next.
Next, we have Darnell Wright, the stalwart right tackle who landed at No. 62 overall. Wright was the anchor of the Bears' offensive line, playing through a torn UCL for much of the season. His resilience paid off: he earned an 82.0 overall PFF grade, ranking 12th among all tackles, and an 85.6 run-blocking grade that placed him sixth in the league. Here’s where it gets controversial: Despite his injury, Wright allowed just three sacks across 740 pass-blocking snaps, resulting in an elite 0.4% sack rate. Another former 10th overall pick (selected in 2023 from Tennessee), Wright has quietly established himself as one of the league’s top tackles. But is he truly elite, or is there still room to grow? Let’s debate that in the comments!
PFF will unveil the remaining Top 60 players over the next few days, with the final Top 20 set to drop on February 20. Stay tuned to Windy City Gridiron for more Bears coverage and updates. And don’t forget to follow Gary Baugher Jr., a rookie contributor to WCG, who brings over 16 years of organized football experience and 30+ years of fandom to his insightful analysis. You can catch him on Twitter at @iamcogs.
Thought-provoking question for you: With Loveland and Wright leading the charge, are the Bears poised for a breakout season in 2026? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
