Latest news with #DayoOdeyingbo
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL analyst predicts Bears make playoff run after impressive offseason
The Chicago Bears are aiming to go from worst to first under new head coach Ben Johnson, which won't be easy in one of the toughest divisions in football. But they've had quite the impactful offseason that could make them a surprising contender. That started with the hiring of Johnson as head coach and his vision was clear in the team's new additions. Chicago overhauled the entire interior offensive line with the trades for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signed center Drew Dalman in free agency. They continued in the draft with tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who's competing for the starting left tackle job. Advertisement Meanwhile, the Bears continued to add to their playmakers with the draft selections of tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. They also addressed the defensive trenches with the free-agent additions of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. Bucky Brooks dubbed the Bears one of the five teams that won the 2025 offseason, where he praised the Johnson hiring and Chicago beefing up their pass blockers and pass catchers. But more than that, Brooks expects Chicago to live up to the hype (unlike last year) as a "dark horse contender" that has a chance to "enjoy a worst-to-first rise in the NFC North." "The table is set for the Bears to make a playoff run this season," wrote Brooks. "They have upgraded their play-caller, playmakers and pass protectors to ensure Williams sparks a turnaround as a sophomore." There were many who had Chicago pegged as potential contenders last season, following the selection of quarterback Caleb Williams, but that ended with a 5-12 record that included a 10-game losing streak. But this year feels different with Johnson running the show. His vision has been clear with what he's expecting, and he's the kind of leader this team was begging for last season. Advertisement Although, the Bears also have the second most difficult strength of schedule this season, so they will be tested. But they'll have a chance to contend if they take care of business in the NFC North. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears predicted to make playoff run after impressive offseason
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears' Dayo Odeyingbo Starts Game Day in the Most Unexpected Way
Bears' Dayo Odeyingbo Starts Game Day in the Most Unexpected Way originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Bears loaded up in free agency this offseason, aggressively adding talent across both sides of the ball. Big-name pickups like Joe Thuney and Grady Jarrett brought proven experience to the trenches and raised expectations immediately. With expectations climbing in Chicago, one new addition has already started making noise—and not just for his production. A defensive weapon brought in to disrupt opposing quarterbacks has a unique game-day ritual that's drawing attention. Advertisement Dayo Odeyingbo, a 25-year-old defensive end, joined the Bears after a strong campaign with the Indianapolis Colts. In 2024, he recorded 31 combined tackles (13 solo), 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles—numbers that barely scratch the surface of his disruptive potential. Memorial cleats warn by players of both the Chicago BearsGetty Images His youth, size, and explosiveness made him one of Chicago's most exciting signings this spring. He's got the physical tools, the motor, and the chip on his shoulder you want anchoring the edge. But what caught some extra attention was a personal ritual Odeyingbo revealed while talking to the Chicago Bears podcast recently—he starts every game day by walking the field barefoot. Yes, barefoot. No cleats, no socks, just turf or grass and focus. When asked about it, Dayo explained: 'There's a lot of people talk about grounding and stuff, right? You know, but technically, a lot of the fields are turf, so you don't necessarily get the value out of that. But I think it's just one, it's kind of just a little superstition, and then two, you know, it's just like, I guess like getting my feet activated.' 'I think it shows up like in your balance and stuff a little bit.' He even mentioned sticking with it in the cold. No complaints. Just focus. Dayo OdeyingboGetty Images With Ben Johnson taking over and Caleb Williams heading into Year 2, the Bears' retooled roster has fans expecting a high-energy, high-upside season—and Dayo Odeyingbo is one more reason to be locked in early. From barefoot walks to full-speed bull rushes, he's a name to circle before kickoff. Advertisement Related: NFL Reveals Bears' Key Dates for 2025 Training Camp Related: Bears Hard-Nosed Rookie RB Pushes Back on 7th-Round Label After Draft Slide This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
15-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
PFF grades for Bears' projected starting defense in 2025
PFF grades for Bears' projected starting defense in 2025 There are high expectations surrounding the Chicago Bears heading into the 2025 season following the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson, who made a huge addition with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who should take this defense to the next level. The Bears made some big additions this offseason along the defensive line, including the free-agent acquisitions of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (an experienced veteran and proven leader) and edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo (an ascending pass rusher poised to make a leap). They also added some potential playmakers in the 2025 NFL draft, including defensive tackle Shemar Turner, linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II and cornerback Zah Frazier. With Allen taking the reins on defense, there's little doubt the unit should prosper behind their new defensive coordinator's aggressive style of defense. But there were some encouraging moments from Chicago's starters last season and for the newcomers joining the fold, as evidenced by Pro Football Focus. PFF grades (2024) for projected starters on Bears defense: EDGE Montez Sweat - 65.6 EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo - 66.1 DT Gervon Dexter Sr. - 70.3 DT Grady Jarrett - 62.1 LB T.J. Edwards - 60.7 LB Tremaine Edmunds - 59.2 CB Jaylon Johnson - 76.2 CB Tyrique Stevenson - 58.9 NCB Kyler Gordon - 76.0 S Kevin Byard - 72.8 S Jaquan Brisker - 65.3 Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears Post Five-Word Message to NFL Announcement on Monday
There's no doubt that after going just 5-12 in 2024, the Chicago Bears, who will now be led by first-year head coach Ben Johnson, are looking to see some serious improvement in 2025. Throughout the offseason, they made some major additions, including signing defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (three years, $48 million), defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (three years, $43.7 million), and trading for offensive lineman Joe Thuney. Advertisement There's now a lot of hope surrounding the team and on Monday, the NFL announced that the Bears would be taking on the Green Bay Packers for a Week 16 matchup on Dec. 20. Of course, the two teams are a part of the biggest rivalry in NFL history, and the Bears quickly reacted to the news, saying "Week 16 at our place," via a social media post. Of course, these two's rivalry dates back to Nov. 27, 1921, when they faced off for the first time, where Chicago put together a dominant performance, shutting the Packers out and winning 20-0. Throughout the years, the two teams have switched back and forth for the series lead, but as of now, Green Bay has firm control with a 107-95-6 record in regular season games, while also going 1-1 in playoff matchups. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams© Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images Last season, though, in a Week 18 matchup, the Bears were able to snap an 11-game losing streak, which dated back Sep. 9, 2018, and happened to be the longest in the rivalries' history. Advertisement However, it will remain to be seen if the Bears end up falling into their old habits, as the expectations are relatively low with ESPN BET giving them the worst odds at winning the NFC North. Related: Jaxson Dart's Request at Giants Practice is Turning Heads
USA Today
25-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL mock draft: Bears select edge rusher over offensive lineman
2025 NFL mock draft: Bears select edge rusher over offensive lineman The Chicago Bears have been busy overhauling the roster under new head coach Ben Johnson, where the focus has been the trenches. The Bears added some key pieces in center Drew Dalman, guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo. But there's still plenty of work to be done in the 2025 NFL Draft, where Chicago has four Top 75 selections, including the No. 10 pick. There's plenty of discussion about which direction the Bears should go in with their first-round pick, but the general consensus remains offensive and defensive line. In a new mock draft from The Athletic's Ben Standig, the Bears pass on offensive lineman Will Campbell for edge rusher Mykel Williams at 10th overall. Signing free agent Dayo Odeyingbo should not preclude the Bears from pursuing an edge defender, whether they're monitoring a Trey Hendrickson trade or dipping into this deep class. The potential wrinkle is whether new head coach Ben Johnson wants to replicate Jahmyr Gibbs' running back electricity in Chicago. General manager Ryan Poles told reporters that the team's free agent acquisitions has opened up their draft board, so we could very well see them going best available at that spot. With that in mind, it's hard to imagine them passing on Campbell, who would provide a long-term option be it at tackle or guard. Still, if Chicago goes pass rusher, Williams feels like the best fit with Abdul Carter off the board. Last season, Williams totaled 21 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles, but he also revealed at the NFL Scouting Combine that he wasn't at full health. Running back could be an option for Chicago here. But it's worth noting that Ashton Jeanty went to the Las Vegas Raiders at sixth overall, otherwise he might've been the Bears' selection.
