With many excited about the Chicago Bears’ off-season acquisitions, it is important not to overlook the talent that hides throughout the Bears’ roster. While household names like Justin Fields, Darnell Mooney, and Eddie Jackson exist, there are quite a few players many writers and analysts refuse to take a close glance at. In this article I will be breaking down my top picks as to who you should look out for in this upcoming season.
Jaquan Brisker
Probably the most obvious on this list, Brisker boasted an impressive rookie campaign that turned a lot of heads in Chicago. Despite getting partial recognition, many still have higher hopes for the likes of Jalen Pitre, Kerby Joseph, and Kyle Hamilton. Brisker showed dominance in all levels of the field with his tackling presence, racking up 104 combined tackles on the year. With 4 sacks and 5 tackles for loss, Brisker also flashed his ability to attack the backfield. His coverage skills are still in question, allowing high qb ratings throughout the year, however this is something that can easily be polished. Expect Brisker to take a huge leap next year, potentially being the centerpiece of this Bears defense.
Jack Sanborn
Arguably the greatest surprise of the Bears entire season, Sanborn stepped up as an unsung hero. After going undrafted out of Wisconsin, Sanborn had to fight for a spot on the 53 man roster. All Sanborn needed was a fighting chance, because he capitalized in his preseason debut with 7 tackles, an interception, and a recovered fumble. He carried that momentum through the preseason finishing with the highest PFF grade of any linebacker, 91.7. Sanborn was slow to get an opportunity to ball out and fans were antsy to see this raw talent of his. However, with Roquan getting shipped to Baltimore and constant injuries plaguing the Bears linebacking core, Sanborn was able to rack up six starts in the back end of the season. An instant impact on the field, Sanborn tallied 59 combined tackles in the six games he started. Pair that with his 5 tackles for loss and a couple of sacks, this seems like a bright start for the young backer.
Braxton Jones
Coming off a season where the Bears still are looking for line improvements, Braxton Jones was a diamond in the rough. Selected 168th out of Southern Utah, Jones was a long shot in the 5th round. With a prospect grade of 5.7, Jones was far short of a head turner. However, when it came time to step up, Jones established himself as a future starter for years to come. Being named to the All-Rookie Team was just the first checkmark in the emergence of his career. Jones impressively played 100% of snaps, proving durability on the line while allowing just 7 of the 58 sacks the Bears conceded in 2022. While 7 may still seem high, Jones has a lot of time to progress and establish himself as a solidified lineman.
Khalil Herbert
As David Montgomery is no longer a Chicago Bear, it is safe to say a perfect replacement is waiting. Khalil Hebert was arguably the more impressive player this year and showed many flashes of expertise. Despite only being named the starter for one game, Herbert had an impressive 731 yards on nearly 6 yards per carry. Many NFL fans know that running backs are extremely replaceable, and it doesn’t take long before they wear out. However, Herbert’s shifty ability to elude tackles and break free for big gainers is exciting to watch. I certainly see him taking a big leap for Chicago in this number one rushing offense in 2023.
Velus Jones Jr.
Many fans were quick to doubt Jones Jr. after mishaps and fumble trouble early on in the season. All that I see is untapped potential as a triple threat player. While being completely underutilized in the 2023 season, mostly being used as a return man, Jones Jr. totaled 642 return yards on nearly 30 yards per kick return. Combine this with the fact that he averaged 11.4 yards per carry and 15.3 yards per reception, when you see it through this perspective he has the making of an explosive player. While there are certainly parts of his game that need to be improved upon, I see a leap coming from him in the next few years to come. It is certainly too early for anyone to say he was a waste of a third round pick.
