The Chicago Bears' defense has been getting a lot of love during training camp, despite the offense getting more attention due to the struggles they have been facing.
That's because the defense has some difference-makers playing under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Chicago is looking for some improvement from the defense after being near the bottom of the NFL last year in total yards allowed per game.
The Bears will rely more heavily on two players on defense to help make that happen. These two players are considered the best on defense and among the top 10 at their respective positions, according to CBS Sports.
Which Bears made CBS Sports panel's top 10 players at defensive positions
Starting at linebacker, Tremaine Edmunds enters at number nine among linebackers. His highest rank was fourth, and his lowest was not ranked at all.
"Edmunds has arguably been more tantalizing than spectacular since his Buffalo Bills days, hence the big disparity in votes."
Since being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2018, Edmunds has racked up over 100 tackles in each season. He was a two-time Pro Bowler for Buffalo, but has not been able to capture that same magic in Chicago the last two years. He's played well, but has not been living up to the expectations the team had for him.
Next up, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson ranked higher than Edmunds as he is seventh among cornerbacks in the NFL. Johnson's highest ranking was fourth, while also having a panelist who didn't even rank him.
"Two years after securing four picks as the lead playmaker of Chicago's defense, he could be due for a jump under Dennis Allen."
Johnson has been the best defender on this defense over the last two years with consecutive Pro Bowl selections. While he was currently dealing with an injury that is keeping him from practicing, he should be in for another big year in Chicago.
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Allen has promising talent to build around with Johnson and Edmunds. Now it's a matter of whether the defense can all rise to the occasion and perform well in 2025.