10. Eddie Jackson
Last Year: 6
2020 Ranking: 3
Some fans probably think this is too high still, but when you look at his recent rankings, he is still seeing a slow regression. The reality is that he is still locked into a starting job, and there is a case to be made that he is going back to his best role.
With Jaquan Brisker, they have not had a good box safety since Adrian Amos, and that issue is finally resolved. It can keep Jackson out of the box and back where he can be a rangy player and make interceptions. Jackson was not good against the run in his All-Pro year, but it was fine because he was such a ball hawk. It is time to bring that version of Jackson back.
9. Jaquan Brisker
Jaquan Brisker is a rookie second-round pick for the Chicago Bears. While most fans did not want a safety as their biggest need, Ryan Poles stuck to his board and gave them the best player in his mind. Still, Brisker will fill a need and will immediately jump into the lineup as a starter.
The big thing with Brisker was mentioned in the last slide. He helps Eddie Jackson by being a box safety which could have huge effects.
8. Kyler Gordon
Kyler Gordon was the other second-round player taken by Chicago. The cornerback from Washington was the first player that Chicago selected this year without a first-round pick.
With that in mind, ranking him too much higher would be tough. Still, like Brisker, he should be expected to jump right into the starting lineup, and his skillset next to Jaylon Johnson could be a perfect blend.
7. Jaylon Johnson
2020 Ranking: 21
Jaylon Johnson was in the top 22 as a rookie and jumped into the top 10 with some roster shuffling, but primarily off of an excellent season. His second season was not quite as elite, but he still walks into year three expected to be an impact player. He plateaued a bit, but the roster got worse, so a one-spot jump makes plenty of sense.
6. David Montgomery
Last Year: 7
2020 Ranking: 14
Some fans will be disappointed by this ranking, but two big things come into mind with him. Like any running back, one relies on his line and other factors as much as any player on the field. He has proven that he does not have the breakaway speed or elite route running to be a do-everything back but it rather just a strong runner who can churn out yards.
Beyond that, he is a free agent this offseason. The team may look to give Herbert some more work to see if they are comfortable with saving money and riding with Herbert next season. That also leads to the realization that if Montgomery did get banged up, they would not miss much moving to Herbert. If someone like Justin Fields went down, the drop-off would be unbearable. It sounds like bashing Montgomery, but it is rather justifying why one of the team leaders is just outside the top five.