NFL's most improved units entering 2025 season headlined by Chicago Bears offense

NFL's most improved units entering 2025 season headlined by Chicago Bears offenseNew Foto - NFL's most improved units entering 2025 season headlined by Chicago Bears offense

Every offseason,NFLteams have the opportunity to upgrade their rosters and coaching staffs to make a marked improvement over the prior year. TheWashington Commanderswere one of the biggest surprises in the 2024 season. They improved from 4-13 to 12-5 and made theNFC championship gamefor the first time in three decades. That turnaround came from a new coaching staff as well as a new starting quarterback in No. 2 overall pickJayden Daniels. Washington became a top-10 offense by points (fifth) and yards (seventh) after finishing in the bottom third league-wide the year prior. The improvement was almost as stark on the other side of the ball; Washington's defense went from last in the league in points and yards allowed to 18th and 13th, respectively. Not every team will experience a jump like theCommandersdid in 2024, but some teams may see significant improvements in 2025. That could be from free agent signings, draft selections, coaching changes, or a combination of all three. Some teams stand out from what they've done this offseason which makes them prime candidates for improvement. Here are our eight most improved units entering the 2025 NFL season: TheBears' offense finished the 2024 season 28th in points and last in yards league-wide. Considering the talent of No. 1 overall pickCaleb Williamsat quarterback, that was a huge letdown. But there are few units more primed for an improvement in 2025 than Chicago. The Bears hired formerDetroit Lionsoffensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He was the play-caller for one of the top offenses in the NFL over the last two seasons. The franchise utilized free agency and a trade to upgrade the offensive line by acquiring guardsJonah JacksonandJoe Thuney, as well as centerDrew Dalman. The Bears completed the trifecta of factors by using their top two draft picks on tight endColston Lovelandand wide receiverLuther Burden III. Chicago has made changes at the coaching level, bringing in veterans and investing in high-profile rookies on offense. It's hard to find a better combination than that, and it should prime them for a jump to better production. Similar to Chicago, Las Vegas used coaching changes, trades, free agency and the draft to improve the offense in 2025. The offensive coaching staff has been overhauled with Chip Kelly now in as offensive coordinator. He produced a national championship-winning offense for the Ohio State Buckeyes last year and could bring similar concepts to theRaiders. Las Vegas will have a new quarterback in 2025 inGeno Smith. He's the first Raiders quarterback with at least one Pro Bowl on his resume since Derek Carr back in 2022. The team also used its top pick on the best running back in the draft inAshton Jeantyand took wide receiverJack Bechwith its second selection. The AFC West will be a tough division once again in 2025 but Las Vegas should be in much better shape on offense to fight for wins. TheTitansdidn't overhaul their staff, instead relying on the draft and free agency to improve the offense. Tennessee was a bottom-five scoring offense and led the league in turnover percentage in 2024. No. 1 overall draft pickCam Wardshould be an upgrade at quarterback as a rookie. The Titans invested in the offensive line by signing free agentsKevin Zeitlerat guard andDan Moore Jr.at left tackle. Neither are top talents at their positions, but they raise the floor for the position group. Tennessee used both free agency and the draft to improve the pass-catching group. Veteran wide receiversTyler LockettandVan Jeffersonas well as fourth-round picksChimere DikeandElic Ayomanorwill contend for starting roles and offer better options at the position. It'd be a surprise if Tennessee ended 2025 as a top-10 offense but they should be closer to league-average than last season. ThePatriotshad one of the worst offensive lines and skill position groups in the NFL in 2024. For 2025, a new coaching staff is in place, led by proven offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. New England used free agency and the draft to bolster the rest of the offense around second-year quarterbackDrake Maye. Veteran wide receiversStefon DiggsandMack Hollinsmay be past their peaks but provide better talent at the position than what New England fielded last season. Proven startersGarrett BradburyandMorgan Moseswill shore up center and right tackle, respectively. The Patriots used the No. 4 overall pick on the top left tackle in the draft class inWill Campbell. In Round 2, New England selected one of the more dynamic running backs in the class inTreVeyon Henderson. They invested in the offensive line again in Round 3 by selecting centerJared Wilsonand took wide receiverKyle Williamsas well. Improvements with new coaching, veteran upgrades and draft investment should push the Patriots up the rankings on offense. Contending for a division title may be a tall task but they'll be more competent on that side of the ball. Carolina's defense ranked last in the NFL in points, yards, rushing yards, passing touchdowns and first downs allowed in 2024. The team lost top pass rusherDerrick Brownto injury in Week 1 and that set the tone for a subpar year. The franchise retained defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, which demonstrates their confidence in him as a play-caller on that side of the ball. Instead, the team went about upgrading the talent he's working with. Carolina hit the defensive line in free agency by signingBobby Brown IIIandTershawn Whartonas well as edge rusherPatrick Jones II, who was productive in a rotational role with the Minnesota Vikings last season. ThePanthersalso bolstered the secondary by signing former Raiders safetyTre'von Moehrig. Those moves should make life a bit easier for defensive stars Brown andJaycee Horn. In the draft, Carolina added a pair of edge rushers with different skill sets. Second-round pickNic Scourtonhas a high floor thanks to his pass rush moves, motor and strength. Third-round pickPrincely Umanmielenis a bit lighter but wins with his flexibility, length and speed. They may not contribute much in year one but should provide depth worth developing for Evero and company. Arizona stocked up on offense in the draft in 2024. This offseason, they spent their resources on defense. TheCardinalsbolstered the front seven in free agency. VeteransDalvin TomlinsonandCalais Campbellwill help up front, while top free agent edge rusherJosh Sweatshould be an improvement off the edge. The team used its draft capital to fill out the rest of the defense as well. Top pickWalter Nolenwon't have to produce immediately alongside Tomlinson and Campbell and can get up to speed in time. Second-round pickWill Johnsoncould've been a top-15 pick if not for injury concerns. If he's healthy, he could be a good starter at outside cornerback as a rookie. Arizona selected versatile defensive linemanJordan Burchin Round 3 and he could provide a rotational piece on the inside or at edge in the Cardinals' system. Arizona is entering its third year under head coach Jonathan Gannon and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis. With more veteran talent and high-profile rookies, the Cardinals could take a step on defense in 2025. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Ranking most improved units heading into NFL season

 

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