Following a highly successful season for the Chicago Bears, these three standout players led the charge and earned well-deserved recognition among the NFL's best.
Ben Johnson won 11 games, the NFC North and defeated the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round in his first season as the Chicago Bears' coach.
Those types of accomplishments don't just happen. Johnson's coaching staff maximized the talent on the roster and the players performed. Johnson's offensive scheme balanced a strong rushing attack with a vertical passing game. Dennis Allen's defense led the league in takeaways.
Like any football team, though, it's not about the Xs and Os, it's about the Jimmys and Joes" that truly makes a difference. General manager Ryan Poles made a concerted effort to add those those types of pieces to Johnson's roster, and now those players are being recognized as some of the best in the league.
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco released his top 100 NFL players of 2026, and three Bears made that cut: Colston Loveland (No. 100), Caleb Williams (No. 70) and Joe Thuney (No. 55).
Of the three Bears who made the list, Thuney is the only to repeat. He ranked at the exact same position, 55, as last season.
"In his first season with the Bears , he helped solidify the offensive line. He is really good in the run game and has been steady in pass protection for years. He is a fighter."
Finishing just ahead of Williams was Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (No. 69). The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft started just seven games last season because of injuries. His rookie season ended in the NFC Championship game.
Williams made drastic improvement from his rookie season and there should be plenty of anticipation on how the former No. 1 overall pick can improve in his second season with Johnson as his coach and playcaller.
Loveland ended Prisco's list, and that same anticipation for Williams should be applied to the Bears' tight end after leading Chicago in receptions (58), yards (713) and touchdowns (six).
The Bears had the second-most players from the NFC North represented in this top 100 list. Detroit led the division with six players, Green Bay Minnesota followed with two and one, respectively.
The NFL has started unveiling its top 100 Players of the 2026 Season. Bears defensive end Montez Sweat was voted as the 91st best player in the league. If the three players who were mentioned in CBS' list also make the cut, along with former safety and 2025 interception leader Kevin Byard III, the Bears could finish as one of the most heavily represented teams on the list.
With talent on the roster and improved coaching, Johnson's team should be primed for another competitive season in 2026.
