Former GM expects Bears QB Justin Fields to make third-year leap

"I'm a fan and have studied him, just like other NFL personnel execs.," wrote former NFL GM and contributor for The Athletic Randy Mueller. "He should be more proficient this year, and I believe the Bears' passing game should move forward with better players surrounding Fields."

After it finished last in passing yards in 2022, Chicago dealt the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Carolina, acquiring wide receiver D.J. Moore. The 26-year-old is a consistent playmaker who should develop into one of Fields' top targets. Moore logged 1,000 receiving yards or more three times in five seasons with the Panthers.

Fields recently said that his chemistry with Moore "[came] quickly" throughout OTAs and mini-camp, which is an excellent sign for the Bears.

Yet Fields must refine his game to maximize the improved passing attack. The QB should focus on his composure in the pocket to accomplish this.

"I understand slowing the coverage game down for Fields and making his reads and processing simple, but he has to develop some anticipation, some timing to get the ball out," wrote Mueller. "I think he has this ability from his days at Ohio State."

In 15 games last season, Fields — the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft — rushed for the seventh-most yards (1,143) in the league but only completed 60.4 percent of his passes. Fields will be one of the NFL's best playmakers if he becomes a more accurate passer, which could launch the Bears into the playoff hunt.