Which Bears players are primed to breakout in 2017?
Despite coming off of a three-win season and potentially redshirting their future franchise quarterback, there is a lot to be excited about with football season right around the corner. The Bears have a young team, and a new direction entering the 2017 season. Plus, there always those players who surprise and play above their expectations, making the season much more enjoyable. Who are the players who could take bigger leaps than expected?
5. CreVon LeBlanc
LeBlanc was an undrafted free agent who spent training camp with the Patriots in 2016. He signed with the Bears in week one and wound up starting nine games and being active for 13. LeBlanc had some downs, that is for sure, but he also showed some real positives as he got more playing time.
The Bears used him in a variety of places, and he and Prince Amukamara would likely bounce back and forth between outside and the slot based on the matchups. A lot of people are looking for Amukamara or the signing of Marcus Cooper and the re-emergence of Kyle Fuller being why the secondary could improve. However, LeBlanc has the most experience in the defense of all three and had the second best season in 2016 according to Pro Football Focus.
This is a player who worked his way into a starting job last season and entering his second season a step forward should be expected. LeBlanc could take a bigger step than expected, be a legitimate starter, and help lead a secondary as it improves dramatically as a unit. It is not out of the realm of possibilities that we end 2017 thinking LeBlanc is the top cornerback on the roster.