Bears HC Ben Johnson Reveals 4 Players on Offense He Trusts Most

Cole Kmet, DJ Moore and Rome Odunze give the Chicago Bears a versatile trio of pass-catchers, each bringing their own unique strengths to the fore.

Kmet hauled in 47 passes for 474 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, following a career-best 73-catch, 719-yard season in 2023. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound tight end remains one of the team’s most reliable receivers, posting an excellent 85.5% catch rate last season.

A seven-year vet, Moore has been Chicago’s top wideout over the last few seasons, finishing with 98 catches for 966 yards and six touchdowns in 2024 after a career-high 1,364 yards the year prior.

Now heading into Year 2, Odunze had a solid rookie season, netting 54 catches for 734 yards (13.6 YPC) and three scores, flashing big-play ability and elite ball skills. At 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds, he’s a prototypical boundary threat poised for a breakout in Year 2.

With the preseason upon us, first year head coach Ben Johnson was asked which of the team’s pass catchers he trusts the most, and he listed those three along with one other new addition.

Ben Johnson Comments on Trust Could Give Hint on Chicago’s Plans for WRs Rotation

GettyChicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is among the players Ben Johnson trusts most.

The Bears signed veteran slot receiver Olamide Zaccheaus to a one‑year deal after a solid 2024 season in Washington (45 receptions, 506 yards, three TDs). Along with the aforementioned three others, Zaccheaus also made Johnson’s list of most trustworthy players so far.

“I think Cole Kmet, I think DJ Moore, I think Rome Odunze; those are the three that stand out to me, first and foremost,” Johnson said, via the team’s official website. “I think OZ (Olamide Zaccheaus) is doing a great job of being where he is supposed to be, and he’s being a professional about it.”

Chicago selected Luther Burden III with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—making him the highest-ever Mizzou receiver taken in the second round. While many assumed Burden would be the favorite for the WR3 job, Zaccheaus could absolutely win the role.

Chicago could use Burden primarily in the slot, with Zaccheaus also seeing packages of his own. There’s also first-round rookie TE Colston Loveland in the mix. He and Burden have been ramping up their offseason activities due to various injuries, and both are just now getting acclimated to Johnson’s offense. Trust is earned, and the rooks will have to earn it.

Chicago’s 3 Preseason Games Will Be Huge for Burden, Among Others

With Burden missing a significant portion of OTAs and minicamp with a lingering hamstring injury Johnson described him as “a little bit behind” during early practices.

As of early August, Burden was participating but still working to regain full timing, while Zaccheaus has been reinforcing his position as a trusted veteran presence. Burden has impressed with his playmaking abilities in limited action, so it’ll be interesting to see how he fares in the preseason.

On July 31, during the Bears’ longest practice yet, Burden made a few viral grabs. He caught a tumbling backpedal stab near the sideline off a precise throw from QB Caleb Williams and in the team’s full two-minute drill, backup Tyson Bagent trusted him on fourth-and-10, throwing to Burden to extend the drive.

If the rookie WR can continue to impress throughout the preseason, he’ll surely earn more trust. Same for Loveland. Staying healthy, though, will be key.