Bears' linebacker room falls 11 spots in PFF's 2025 unit rankings

That's why Ryan Poles felt comfortable in giving T.J. Edwards a two-year, $20M extension in April. PFF still rates Edwards as the tenth best linebacker in the NFL. Extending him on a smart, team-friendly deal given his 2023 performance and knowing 2024 was more of an anomaly made sense.

Can DC Dennis Allen bring the best out of Bears linebackers again?

There's no question that both Edmunds and Edwards are talented. Both have shown many times their great anticipation and superior skills on the field. Both have gained respect from putting up impressive, personal-best seasons within the last three years.

What they haven't done is both do it consistently, in Chicago, and at the same time.

Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has a great opportunity to unlock them both in 2025. Here are four reasons why I have optimism that he can accomplish this.

1. Allen's aggressive, relentless pressure-focused scheme is welcome news for Bears linebackers. It may be the best news of all for Edmunds, who in Eberflus' scheme was deployed like a giant centerfield passing deterrent. This more passive approach too often found him out of position or too deep on the play to be made. Allen's defense should allow him more freedom to make a bigger impact.

2. Allen weighed in on the defensive line investments best suited to execute his scheme. Poles signed veteran free agent DE Dayo Odeyingbo to pair with DE Montez Sweat. He also strengthened the interior defensive line by adding veteran free agent DT Grady Jarrett and high-motor, second-round pick DT Shemar Turner. The increased pressure and sacks generated by the upgraded defensive line will lead to worse execution and more mistakes by the offense, which in turn creates more opportunities for linebackers to make a great play.

3. Allen identified and addressed speed as a weakness in the unit. That's why Poles drafted fourth-round pick LB Ruben Hyppolite II, who ran the fastest 40 time among rookie linebackers. While Hyppolite needs development, his ability to both rapidly process reads and thrust toward the ball quickly is a strength the Bears didn't have last season. Assuming he can earn the third linebacker spot over LBs Noah Sewell and Amen Ogbongbemiga, that will make a big difference when the Bears are in their base defense.

4. Allen made a savvy hire in new Bears linebacker coach Richard Smith. Smith will draw on his forty-seven years of experience to help unleash and elevate the entire room as they implement Allen's vision for the defense.

Let's hope that all goes according to plan and next year at this time, PFF will again rate the Bears' linebackers as a top-five unit.