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5 Bears primed to breakout in 2017

By Parker Hurley

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Cre'Von LeBlanc (22) celebrates his interception against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Cre'Von LeBlanc (22) celebrates his interception against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 25, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the OTA practice at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44) during the OTA practice at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Nick Kwiatkowski

Kwiatkowski is a fourth rounder entering year two in the Bears defense. Last year he started seven games and was active for 14. When Danny Trevathan was out with injury, and Jerrell Freeman out with the suspension it was the rookie stepping into the hole and filling it admirably.

Vic Fangio inherited Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman as the defensive coordinator of the 49ers. By immediately going out and signing Trevathan and Freeman it is clear that Fangio learned defenses need to be built up in the middle. With Danny Trevathan unlikely to start the season with an injury the door is wide open for Kwiatkowski to be an impact player for an extended period.

Fangio did draft a third round player in Chris Borland who put up 107 tackles in his rookie year with the 49ers. Kwiatkowski could have a similar story as he enters the season knowing he has a chance to make an impact as a starter.

The timetable for Trevathan to return is completely up in the air, and most players are never back to 100% when dealing with the serious nature of his particular injury. Kwiatkowski can take over as the starting inside linebacker for the Bears moving forward, and he may be able to earn the Bears in that role.

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