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Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Drew Dalman (No. 7)
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, which features some new faces within the organization poised to get the franchise back to its winning ways. That starts with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, as well as overhauling the interior offensive line, adding pieces on defense and a potenital impactful rookie draft class. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year. Next up at No. 7 is Drew Dalman, who the Bears invested in to anchor the offensive line and turn their luck around at center. Background Position: Center Age: 26 Experience: 5th season 2025 cap hit: $13.64 million 2024 recap Dalman took a big step in his development with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024, where he had his best season yet -- and it happened at just the right moment with him slated to become a free agent. While Dalman has always been an elite run blocker, he made strides in pass protection, earning the lowest pressure rate of his career (3.7%). Overall, Dalman earned a 78.8 grade from Pro Football Focus, where he graded out as the fourth-best center in 2024. Unfortunately, Dalman only played in nine games. He landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury following a Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and he returned in Week 13, where he played the final six games of the season. 2025 outlook New Bears head coach Ben Johnson made it clear that he wanted to build from the trenches, which is why the team prioritized the offensive line in a huge way. After trading for All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and guard Jonah Jackson, Chicago wasted no time signing Dalman to a three-year, $42 million contract at the start of free agency. Dalman replaces Coleman Shelton, who started all 17 games in 2024, at a position that's snakebitten the Bears. Protecting second-year quarterback Caleb Williams is the top priority this season, and Dalman will play a key role in Williams' success. Dalman will serve as the quarterback of the offensive line, where he'll help with setting projections and relieving some of the pre-snap burden. Solid communication will be key for Williams and Dalman, and the quarterback-center relationship will be just as important as head coach and quarterback. Big question: Will Dalman finally be the answer at center? The Bears have been searching for Olin Kreutz's replacement for the better part of two decades. While Cody Whitehair was a solid center, the position has snakebitten this franchise for some time. After signing Coleman Shelton to a cheap, one-year deal, Chicago invested heavily in the center position with the free-agent signing of Dalman, who was a top-five graded center by PFF. While no one's expecting Dalman to be the next coming of Kreutz, who has a case for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, stability would be a big win. Dalman is under contract for the next three seasons, but if he can prove to anchor the interior offensive line, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Bears lock him down to an extension and finally solidify the center position. 30 Most Important Bears of 2025 #30 - RB Roschon Johnson #29 - QB Case Keenum #28 - K Cairo Santos #27 - DT Andrew Billings #26 - CB Tyrique Stevenson #25 - WR Luther Burden III #24 - RG Jonah Jackson #23 - LB Tremaine Edmunds #22 - DE Dayo Odeyingbo #21 - S Kevin Byard #20 - S Jaquan Brisker #19 - LB T.J. Edwards #18 - TE Cole Kmet #17 - DT Grady Jarrett #16 - DT Gervon Dexter #15 - RB D'Andre Swift #14 - TE Colston Loveland #13 - OT Ozzy Trapilo #12 - OT Braxton Jones #11 - WR DJ Moore #10 CB Kyler Gordon #9 - OT Darnell Wright #8 - DE Montez Sweat #7 - C Drew Dalman #6 - Coming 7/24 #5 - Coming 7/25 #4 - Coming 7/26 #3 - Coming 7/27 #2 - Coming 7/28 #1 - Coming 7/29 Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Most Important Bears of 2025: Drew Dalman (No. 7)
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chicago Bears 2025 training camp preview: Offensive line
Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it's time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest. We're unveiling our Bears 2025 training camp position previews, where we're breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group. Advertisement Up next is offensive line, a position that received a major facelift in the offseason following a terrible 2024 season. With three new starters building the interior of the offensive line and a rookie looking to compete for starting left tackle, there's plenty to watch for in training camp. The team also hired Dan Roushar to be their offensive line coach, and he'll have the task to put all the new talent together and make the a successful unit in their first season together. Let's look at the Bears' offensive line heading into 2025 training camp: Drew Dalman Dec 24, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman (67) stands on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Signed this offseason to be the anchor at center, Drew Dalman comes with a well respected resume at the position. Considered one of the better centers in the league, Dalman will be called upon to be a veteran leader, create good chemistry with Caleb Williams, and get all new teammates on same page. Advertisement Joe Thuney A four-time Super Bowl champion, four-time All-Pro, and three-time Pro Bowl selection, Joe Thuney arrived in Chicago via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs and his success is hard to match. After blocking up front for Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, Thuney has the talent and success to lead the charge for this line as one of the league's top left guards. Jonah Jackson LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 03: Jonah Jackson #73 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill with Chris Glaser #63 during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) Jonah Jackson, acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, was a former player of new Bears head coach Ben Johnson when they were both in Detroit. Jackson's best season came with Johnson in 2021 when he made the Pro Bowl. Following last year's disaster at right guard, Jackson should be seen as an immediate upgrade. Advertisement Darnell Wright Darnell Wright is an unquestioned leader and rising star of the offensive line and a force at right tackle. While there had been discussions of moving him to left tackle, Wright will continue to play right tackle where he continues to grow and develop as one of the better young players at the position. Braxton Jones CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 04: Braxton Jones #70 of the Chicago Bears in action against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by) Braxton Jones is coming off ankle surgery that will have him limited to start training camp, and he's got competition chomping at the bit behind him from rookie Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie. Jones hasn't been a bad starting left tackle, he's just left more to be desired and may have a big battle ahead of him to keep his starting job. Advertisement Ozzy Trapilo LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - MAY 09: Ozzy Trapilo #75 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 09, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) A second-round pick in this year's draft, Ozzy Trapilo is seen as the biggest competition to Jones at the left tackle position. The rookie out of Boston College turned heads at rookie minicamp and with an impressive showing in training camp could earn the opportunity to start at left tackle. Kiran Amegadjie Kiran Amegadjie, a third-round pick in last year's draft, had a rookie season to forget. Held back by injuries to begin the season, Amegadjie was thrown to the wolves on short notice in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football late last season. There is still plenty of time for him to develop -- and he's in competition for the starting left tackle job -- but he likely does that in a reserve role. Advertisement Ryan Bates Hampered by injuries since arriving in Chicago last year, Ryan Bates is a versatile swing lineman who could not only bring depth but is able to fill in as a replacement at multiple positions. Bates spent his first five seasons with the Buffalo Bills but was coveted by general manager Ryan Poles. But the payoff hasn't been there yet. Doug Kramer Jr. Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Bears center Doug Kramer Jr. (68) on the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Doug Kramer, a sixth-round pick of the Bears in 2022, has done well in holding a roster spot thus far but was involved in one of the worst plays of the season last year when he committed a fumble on the goal line in a loss to the Washington Commanders. Kramer has familiarity with the organization, which could keep him on the roster, but he'll face a battle to earn his spot. Advertisement Bill Murray After spending his first three seasons with the New England Patriots, Bill Murray came to Chicago last season, and is a formidable depth piece. He'll be behind Jonah Jackson at the right guard position, which could come in hand as Jackson has battled injuries over the last couple of seasons. Chris Glaser LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 04: Offensive line coach Dan Roushar gives instructions to Joshua Miles #78, Theo Benedet #79, Darnell Wright #58, Jonah Jackson #73 and Chris Glaser #63 during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 04, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) Chris Glaser has spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and two separate stints with the New York Jets before he was signed to the Bears practice squad last season. Glaser was signed to a reserve/future contract in January and is likely to be on the practice squad this year. Advertisement Theo Benedet A star in last year's HBO's 'Hard Knocks' with the Bears, Theo Benedet spent his first year in the NFL going undrafted but signed to the team's practice squad. He was signed to a reserve/future contract in January. Jordan McFadden LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 03: Jordan McFadden #74 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) A former fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jordan McFadden played in 12 games in his rookie season and started two of those games. He was waived by the Chargers at the end of last season and was claimed by the Bears shortly after. Joshua Miles Joshua Miles, a former seventh-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL draft, has been around the league with multiple teams. His previous stops include the Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Giants, before he was signed to a reserve/future contract. Advertisement Luke Newman A sixth-round pick in this year's draft, Luke Newman started his collegiate career at Holy Cross before transferring to Michigan State last year. He started 12 games for the Spartans in his only year with them and was a participant of the East-West Shrine Bowl. Ricky Stromberg LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 03: Ricky Stromberg #67 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill with Jordan McFadden #74 during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) A third-round pick of the Washington Commanders in 2023, Ricky Stromberg battled through injuries in his first two seasons that saw him on injured reserve more than once. He was signed to the Bears practice squad last year and is likely to be on the practice squad this season as well. Big Question: Will Ozzy Trapilo win the starting left tackle job? May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive line Ozzy Trapilo (75) warms up during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The most interesting battle coming into training camp will undoubtedly be the fight for the starting left tackle position between Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie. A second-round pick in this year's draft, Trapilo has been one of the most discussed standout rookies during the offseason program, and with Jones battling back from injury, Trapilo could come out of the gate firing and steal the starting role from him. There will be questions about Trapilo starting as a rookie, but with three newcomers beside him in Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson, the Bears may have enough talent and veteran leadership on the line to allow Trapilo the opportunity to learn on the job as he has the most important role in protecting Caleb Williams' blindside. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 2025 training camp preview: Offensive line
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Falcons undrafted free agent listed as Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate
The Atlanta Falcons went into the 2025 NFL draft with a clear goal to upgrade their defense. Four of the team's five draft picks were used on defensive players, including both first-round selections. Next season, the Falcons could have as many as three rookies starters on defense. Offensively, the team returns 10 of 11 starters from last season. Center Drew Dalman signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency, leaving the job to former undrafted free agent Ryan Neuzil. The Falcons offense has top-10 upside, and while there aren't many new faces, the team did add some intriguing undrafted free agents. Advertisement Pro Football Sports Network listed one potential Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate for each team. Since the Falcons only selected one offensive player in the 2025 NFL draft, the options were limited. Offensive tackle Jack Nelson was a seventh-round pick with little chance to play this season. Instead of just going with Nelson, PFSN looked to Atlanta's undrafted free agent class for a better solution. Wide receiver Nick Nash was listed as the team's Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Falcons WR Nick Nash named OROY candidate by PFSN Nick Nash joins the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent. Nevertheless, his college production and athletic traits could have an instant impact on the passing offense in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Nash led all college football receivers in receiving yards and touchdowns with the San Jose State Spartans in 2024, accumulating 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns, transitioning to the position full-time. A former quarterback recruit, Nash has the instincts and natural game feel to impact the field in multiple situations. He could even be used in specialized situations as a passer or rusher. -- Owain Jones, PFSN Nash might be a project, but the former quarterback-turned-wide receiver has a ton of potential. Lance Zierlein projected Nash as a fifth-round prospect ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. The former San Jose State wideout has good size (6-foot-2, 203 pounds), speed (4.57 seconds in 40-yard dash) and ball skills (16 touchdowns last season). Advertisement "Nash's competitiveness, ball skills and football character give him a chance to become a productive three-level slot receiver in the pros," Zierlein wrote in Nash's scouting report. The fact that Nash went undrafted was a bit of a surprise, but he has a real chance to make the team. In our most recent Falcons 53-man roster projection, Nash snuck in as our final wide receiver. Keep your eyes on the rookie wideout once training camp begins in July. This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons: Nick Nash named Rookie of the Year candidate
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Atlanta Falcons post-draft position preview: Running back
With most key players set to return in 2025, the Atlanta Falcons offense is primed for a big season. Aside from losing center Drew Dalman in free agency, this group has elite talent at every position. The running back position is by far the best example of this. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier have formed one of the most dangerous one-two punches of any backfield. Let's examine the team's running back room ahead of the 2025 NFL season in our latest post-draft position preview. RB Depth Chart (6): Bijan Robinson Tyler Allgeier Jase McClellan Carlos Washington Jr. Elijah Dotson Nathan Carter Advertisement Robinson and Allgeier are the only locks to make the roster, but Mclellan and Washington will firmly be in the mix. Dotson and Carter will have to ball out during training camp to play themselves onto the roster. This is arguably one of the most talented running back groups in the entire league. 2025 salary cap hits Robinson: $5,988,694 Allgeier: $1,183,472 McClellan: $1,008,592 Washington: $960,000 Dotson: $960,000 Carter: $845,000 For the amount of talent in the backfield, the Falcons are getting a major bargain. Allgeier and Robinson take up around $7.2 million of cap space combined. If you look at what some of the top backs make around the league, it's hard to find a better value in the NFL at running back. Top free agents available: JK Dobbins Nick Chubb Jamaal Williams Jeff Wilson Ameer Abdullah Advertisement Unless the Falcons are unhappy with McClellan and want a more experienced No. 3 running back, we think they'll stand pat with their current group. Adding a veteran like Jamaal Williams would make some sense, though. Predictions/expectations for 2025 Robinson just posted a career-high 1,456 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He should only get better with a more explosive passing attack to complement him in 2025. Allgeier is a perfect change-of-pace back whose bruising style wears out opposing defenders late in games. McClellan is a solid dual-threat option who should again serve as the No. 3 back. I like this group to top 2,000 combined rushing yards this season. Around Falcons Wire This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons 2025 RB breakdown: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier
USA Today
23-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Falcons find Drew Dalman replacement in 2025 NFL mock draft
Falcons find Drew Dalman replacement in 2025 NFL mock draft Atlanta adds Georgia prospect to replace Drew Dalman in new mock draft from The NFL loves using quarterbacks and skill position players to market the game, but most games are won and lost in the trenches. Aside from Hall of Fame-level players, like Aaron Donald and Jason Kelce, linemen rarely get the credit they deserve. The Atlanta Falcons have lost two starting linemen since the start of free agency. The team released veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett after 10 NFL seasons. On offense, the Falcons lost center Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears. Jarrett also ended up signing with the Bears just hours after his release. These two departures won't be easy to replace. While the team has signed free agent Morgan Fox on defense, Atlanta hasn't done much to replace Dalman. A new mock draft from has the Falcons adding more defensive help in Round 1 before adding a center in Round 2. With the 15th overall pick, Atlanta was projected to take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. While the Crimson Tide Standout spent most of his college career playing off the ball, Chad Reuter thinks he could do a little bit of everything for the Falcons. Campbell recorded five sacks last season. "Campbell was initially recruited to play on the edge at Alabama, but he developed an all-around game that could make the Falcons quite happy if he's available here," writes Reuter. "This SEC star should prove himself to be an apt blitzer in the NFL and he will use his speed to track down ball-carriers before they hit the sideline." In Round 2 of Reuter's mock, Atlanta lands a replacement for Drew Dalman, taking Georgia center Jared Wilson. Wilson tested off the charts at the NFL Scouting Combine and seems to fit the athletic profile the Falcons targeted under general manager Terry Fontenot. Dalman and Wilson each earned elite RAS scores entering the draft and were projected mid-round prospects. Wilson's one year of starting experience may concern some, however, he was highly productive at a top-level college program and did not allow a sack last season. While the Falcons don't have a third-round pick, in the fourth round of mock, they were projected to take Virginia safety Jonas Sanker (pick 118). Even after signing Jordan Fuller to start opposite Jessie Bates III, the team could use more depth at the safety position after losing backup Richie Grant. Atlanta's best option may be to trade down and acquire more draft capital. The team has just five total picks, but Fontenot has said the Falcons are open to moving back. We'll see what happens when the 2025 NFL draft kicks off on April 24.
