Bears head coach Ben Johnson highlights four players who have impressed and stood out during the offseason workouts and training sessions.

As the Chicago Bears continue their rebuild under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the offseason has been a critical period for evaluating talent and setting the tone for the upcoming NFL campaign. Recently, Coach Johnson shed light on four players who have particularly impressed during offseason workouts and training sessions. His praise offers fans a glimpse of hope and excitement as the Bears aim to climb back into playoff contention.

This article provides an extensive look at the four players Johnson highlighted, exploring their backgrounds, offseason progress, and the potential impact they could have on the Bears’ 2025 season and beyond.

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## The Importance of Offseason Development in Chicago

For a rebuilding team like the Bears, offseason progress is more than just individual growth—it sets the foundation for success. With a relatively young roster and new coaching philosophies being implemented, the offseason serves as a testing ground to identify leaders, potential breakout stars, and key contributors.

Coach Ben Johnson, known for his emphasis on discipline, work ethic, and player development, has closely monitored offseason activities. His recent public acknowledgment of four standout players signals his confidence in their ability to elevate the team.

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## The Four Standout Players: Who Are They?

Though Johnson did not explicitly list all four players in a single statement, insights from Bears media and practice reports have identified these key figures:

1. **Justin Fields – Quarterback**
2. **Darnell Mooney – Wide Receiver**
3. **Roquan Smith – Linebacker**
4. **Cole Kmet – Tight End**

Let’s explore why these players have caught Johnson’s eye this offseason and what their progress means for the team.

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## Justin Fields: Growth Under the Spotlight

### Background and Context

Justin Fields, entering his fourth NFL season in 2025, remains the central figure in the Bears’ rebuilding efforts. Despite flashes of elite talent, Fields’ journey has been marked by inconsistency and injuries, leaving fans eager to see sustained improvement.

### Offseason Performance

Coach Johnson has noted Fields’ increased focus on mechanics, decision-making, and leadership during offseason workouts. Sources reveal Fields spent extra hours analyzing film, improving footwork, and building chemistry with his receivers.

### Why Johnson Highlighted Fields

Johnson’s praise of Fields signals trust in his growth trajectory. The quarterback’s ability to command the offense and reduce turnovers is crucial for Chicago’s success, and offseason strides have reportedly boosted Johnson’s confidence in Fields’ potential to lead the team to wins.

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## Darnell Mooney: A Reliable Deep Threat

### Background and Impact

Speedster Darnell Mooney has been a key offensive weapon for the Bears, providing a vertical threat that stretches defenses. However, injuries and inconsistent production in previous seasons have hampered his full potential.

### Offseason Development

Mooney’s offseason work has focused on route precision, catching technique, and physical conditioning. Johnson praised Mooney’s dedication, highlighting his explosiveness and improved reliability during training.

### Role Moving Forward

With Fields maturing and Mooney’s offseason progress, the duo could form a dynamic partnership capable of forcing opposing defenses to adjust, creating more opportunities for the Bears’ offense.

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## Roquan Smith: Defensive Leader Emerging

### Background and Role

Linebacker Roquan Smith is one of Chicago’s defensive leaders, known for his tackling ability and sideline-to-sideline range. Smith’s impact has sometimes been limited by injuries and scheme changes.

### Offseason Highlights

Johnson emphasized Smith’s work ethic and leadership during offseason workouts. Smith’s ability to rally the defense and make pivotal plays in practice has stood out, earning him praise as a locker room leader.

### Defensive Outlook

Smith’s continued development is vital for Chicago’s defensive identity. His presence ensures a more disciplined, aggressive linebacker corps capable of stifling opponents’ run and pass games.

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## Cole Kmet: Unlocking Potential at Tight End

### Background and Potential

Cole Kmet has shown flashes of being a reliable pass-catcher and blocker but has yet to become a true offensive weapon consistently.

### Offseason Progress

Johnson pointed to Kmet’s offseason dedication in refining his route running and blocking technique. Reports indicate Kmet has added strength and improved his hand skills, making him a more complete tight end.

### Impact on the Offense

Kmet’s growth provides Fields with a dependable target in critical situations, especially in the red zone and third downs, which could significantly diversify Chicago’s offense.

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## The Broader Significance: Building a Winning Culture

Johnson’s recognition of these four players underscores a broader narrative of cultivating a winning culture in Chicago. Their individual progress symbolizes the commitment the Bears organization is making to player development and team cohesion.

### Leadership and Accountability

By publicly naming standout players, Johnson also establishes expectations for leadership and accountability, encouraging these players to set examples for younger teammates.

### Fan and Media Reaction

Fans and analysts have welcomed Johnson’s transparency, viewing it as a sign that the Bears are moving in the right direction. The spotlight on these players helps focus attention on the team’s building blocks.

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## Challenges Ahead: Maintaining Momentum

While offseason progress is encouraging, the true test arrives during the regular season. Injuries, game speed, and competitive pressures will challenge these players to maintain and elevate their performances.

Johnson’s leadership will be key in keeping the team focused, adapting strategies, and fostering a resilient mindset.

Hope on the Horizon for the Bears

Coach Ben Johnson’s acknowledgment of Justin Fields, Darnell Mooney, Roquan Smith, and Cole Kmet as offseason standouts highlights the promising foundation Chicago is building. Their development during this crucial period represents hope for Bears fans hungry for a return to relevance.

As training camps open and the season approaches, all eyes will be on these players to see if their offseason promise translates into on-field success. If they can deliver, the Bears might finally be on the path to consistent competitiveness and playoff contention.