There is no doubt that the Chicago Bears have a lot of holes on their roster, but the team actually has a handful of good, young players to build around, including quarterback Justin Fields and a number of players general manager Ryan Poles selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Chicago Bears’ Jaquan Brisker exceeded expectations as a rookie
One of the more impressive players who the Bears drafted last season is safety Jaquan Brisker, who started in all 15 games that he was healthy for. In his first season, Brisker accumulated 104 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two pass breakups, one interception, and one forced fumble. Outside of the production, which put Brisker in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation, he proved that he is a versatile player who can play over the top alongside Eddie Jackson or in the box as an athletic front-seven player.
However, Brisker helped set a record that not only shows how impactful he is as a safety, but proves that the Chicago Bears have a long way to go to surround Brisker, and other star defenders, with more talented defensive players.
Despite being a safety, and a rookie one at that, Brisker led the Bears with 4 sacks this season. This is the first time a safety has led their team in sacks since Jamal Adams did it for Seattle in 2020. Now, on one side this shows that Brisker has the versatility to not only cover receivers but also rush the passer in certain situations. On the other hand, it proves that the defensive line was abysmal this season, and should be a premier focus for this team as the 2023 offseason gets under way.
Brisker’s own reaction to this stat is very telling, as he seems to say a lot without saying much in his response.
— Quanny B. (@JaquanBrisker) January 9, 2023
Brisker, like the rest of the talented defensive backs currently on the Bears’ roster, must be at least a little frustrated with the lack of pressure and production from the front four, as it only makes it harder to cover receivers down the field when the defensive line cannot get to the quarterback.
To truly get the most out of Brisker, as well as the other defensive backs that the team has invested in, it is important for the Chicago Bears to add defensive linemen this offseason in order to create a truly balanced defense that can cover receivers, stop the run, and get after the passer.