The Chicago Bears joined the Jacksonville Jaguars and are the only two teams without a Pro Bowl representative. This can speak to the ability of both Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields because both were the strongest player for Pro Bowl consideration, but considering they had no one around them worthy of that honor but had no shot at making it this year.
However, the Jaguars and Bears are teams that have flashed this season, and there is a chance that we can see them start to put some Pro Bowlers on the roster. Who are five players on the current roster that we should expect to see in the Pro Bowl next season?
5. Justin Fields will be a Chicago Bears quarterback in the Pro Bowl next season
There is a real argument to be made that if Fields had another Pro Bowl-caliber player he would have made it this season. With Kirk Cousins and Geno Smith as two of the top three NFC quarterbacks, it may not be the highest bar for Fields to pass next season.
Fields is the only current player that you could even make a case for this season. Still, Geno Smith has been such a great story, and Kirk Cousins has the record. Fields does have the pursuit for the most rushing yards by a quarterback, which is pretty impressive and could get him consideration.
Still, the game is about winning as a passer, and Justin Fields knows that. That is what will come next season, assuming he gets help. Not many people saw Jalen Hurts as the surefire starter in the Pro Bowl this season, but when you add A.J. Brown to Devonta Smith, life starts to get easier.
If the Chicago Bears can get him help to improve his numbers as a passer, and he continues on this run with his legs, he will be a surefire Pro Bowl player next season.
4. Will the Chicago Bears OL Teven Jenkins get Pro Bowl love
If you had to make a case for any other player from this version of the Chicago Bears, it may be Teven Jenkins. Still, while Teven Jenkins had a nice season, he did start it off in a rotation, and may not finish it as well.
Beyond that, the Pro Bowl is about name recognition, and while he was drafted high, his rookie season had many forgetting. It is no surprise people were not keeping up on Teven Jenkins.
Still, the reality is that if Jenkins can ascend, he could be in Pro Bowl consideration as soon as next season. Jenkins will now have the recognition as he enters the year locked in as a starter, and it will be his second year in the memories of fans and voters, so his name starts to become more household.
Beyond that, he is in a great offense for his skill set. Justin Fields is going to make this a run-first group no matter what. If Jenkins gets some help up front, they could be clearing paths for Fields to hit big plays. If the Chicago Bears turn some of these games into wins, people will be looking to give credit to the offensive line.
With Jenkins being the best starter in 2022, and likely one of the big names in 2023, if the Bears have success, he will be easy for fans and media to call out. Do not be surprised if Pro Bowl journey starts next season.
3. Jaylon Johnson could ascend to the Pro Bowl
It was pretty low-key, but Jaylon Johnson has had a pretty good season. Sure, he had given up a few big plays to A.J. Brown. However, he also had a few highlight-worthy defenses in coverage have to be commended as well. It is not often that a player can have that sort of stat line and you watch the tape and walk away impressed by the cornerback.
However, one of the big issues for Jaylon Johnson, and the secondary in general is the lack of pass rush. If the rush is coming and Hurts tries A.J. Brown once and it gets knocked away, it is tougher to go there over, and over. Instead, Hurts sat back and waited until Brown was able to get a step on Johnson, making it tough for him to stick with Brown for that long.
Johnson had a bad game against Brown statistically and also had a few rough snaps when he played in the slot. Beyond that, he has really had a strong season.
You would think he is done being asked to move into the slot, and if the team has a better pass rush, you could see his numbers improve in a big way next season. Jaylon Johnson could be a piece of the defensive resurgence and could earn a trip to the Pro Bowl over it.
2. Eddie Jackson was pacing to be a Pro Bowler this year
This was going to be the best season that Eddie Jackson had since 2018. He was on pace to have nearly as many interceptions, and as noted, he was playing in a worse situation overall. Of course, the reason that he is not getting that praise has little to do with his play, and everything to do with an injury.
There are small whispers about his hefty contract and whether Chicago could keep him, but at the same time, it is hard to imagine him not playing here next season. If Jackson does return, he should be fine for week one considering the injury was only a month or two of rehabilitation.
A fully healthy Jackson, in year two of a scheme he just picked up but clearly was being used right could be a problem. When you add in that he may get pass rush help, it may have him turning a pick or two into a pick six or two.
If that is the case, Eddie Jackson is going to the Pro Bowl. If Jackson does not get hurt, he probably makes it this season without any questions.
1. Chicago Bears drafted a future Pro Bowler in Jaquan Brisker
Of the five players listed, the least surprising to miss the cut this year would be Jaquan Brisker. Brisker had a great season by rookie standards, but a rookie would really have to be in high standing to make the Pro Bowl. Especially at safety which is less prominently discussed.
With that in mind, only an elite season would have Brisker on that path. Brisker was not elite, but the promise sure is there. Brisker finds the football. The Chicago Bears play him in the box, because he is a great compliment to Eddie Jackson, and it highlights his best traits.
Brisker can be a tackle machine and can help prevent big plays. Beyond that, he has a knack for punching the football and being turnover minded.
The good thing for Brisker is that he can rack up tackle stats. Beyond that, he can put in a big hit or two, to get fans excited. Lastly, if he is benefitting from turnovers, you can write him into the Pro Bowl right now.
Jaquan Brisker will almost certainly make the Pro Bowl in his NFL career. It could be as quick as next season.