Five Bears Who Might Surprise Us In 2017

Training camp is still quite a bit of time away from now, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start forecasting the 2017 Chicago Bears. After a rough 3-13 season that was over before it really even got started, Ryan Pace has made unprecedentedly bold moves this offseason to get the Bears ready for Year 3 of his regime. Completely overhauling the quarterback room, including trading up a spot to snag Mitchell Trubisky, drafting multiple “small school” players in the draft, and adding depth to the tight end and secondary positions are all on Pace’s list of accomplishments this season. Those accomplishments, along with better health and improvement from their rising sophomore and third year draft classes, are expected to make the Bears relevant again. Maybe not playoff contenders, but no longer a pushover, either. Along with the usual suspects expected to lift the Bears this coming season, there are plenty of players who could be massive contributors in 2017 that have not been covered enough, either due to lowered expectations or other, overshadowing circumstances. Let’s explore:

Dion Sims

Dion Sims is an interesting case. He only caught 26 passes for 256 yards and four touchdowns for the Miami Dolphins last season. And he’s mostly been known as a blocking tight end throughout his young career so far. Yet, he received a three-year deal for $18 million, with $10 million guaranteed. But he’s only 26 years old and has plenty of receiving ability. Because of that, he can be considered a two-way tight end, which the Bears love to use in their offense. Zach Miller is the incumbent starter, and all of the attention this offseason has gone to Adam Shaheen, who was drafted in the second round and reminds many people of Rob Gronkowski. But Sims was signed for a reason, and he seems to be flying under the radar with all of the attention being paid to Shaheen. Not only does Sims add depth to a position that sorely needed it, but he could very well be the starter coming out of training camp. I expect Sims to be a regular, almost integral contributor to the offense.

Nick Kwiatkoski

Danny Trevathan is expected to open the season on the PUP list due to the torn patellar tendon he suffered last season. When he went down last year, Kwiatkoski filled in and played admirably for a rookie fourth-round linebacker. His block on La’el Collins last year in Dallas was the one that likely ended Collins’s season, and is one of his premiere highlights from last year. He’s quite strong, very physical, and pretty fast as well. And now that he’s had a year in Vic Fangio’s system, he can learn to play instinctually when filling in for Trevathan to start the year. Erik Lambert of Sports Mockery wrote about how Kwiatkoski may very well be the best kept secret on this Bears roster. I agree. There’s a chance that Trevathan will never be the same after the injury he had. I expect Kwiatkoski to help Chicago cover a good amount of that gap.

Deiondre’ Hall

Hall was a fourth-round pick in 2016 and came into the NFL as a cornerback. He flashed a little bit last year, including hauling in an interception of Matthew Stafford during their first win of last season at Soldier Field. But an ankle injury knocked Hall out for most of the season after that, and then he was arrested this offseason and cited for disorderly conduct and public intoxication. Not ideal. But he’s back with the team, and Chicago is attempting to try him out at safety. His instincts are his strongest suit, and he’s a solid tackler. Both of those traits scream NFL safety. While he’s leaner than one would like at the position, he has the talent to win the job. I expect Hall to contribute a few INTs this year to a defense that sorely needs it.

Kyle Fuller

Fuller has been expected to be gone for the better part of a year now. He missed the entire 2016 season, this despite undergoing what was considered a relatively routine knee scope last summer. Then, Vic Fangio called him out for not “champing at the bit” to return to the field. That incident all but put the matter to rest in our minds. Fast forward to this year, and Fuller is still on the team. Sure, it didn’t make economical sense for the Bears to just release him. But still, not only is he on the roster, but there are rumblings that he will be tried out at safety along with Hall. Safety was always the best position for him. When he intercepted three passes in his first two career games, it was the instincts that flashed, not his coverage ability. If the Bears are serious about moving Fuller to safety, and they give him a fair shot, that could pay off quite well for this defense.

Cameron Meredith

Now, Meredith is basically expected to be Chicago’s number one receiver this year with the departure of Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White’s question mark status. So Meredith being a contributor shouldn’t be a surprise. But many are expecting him to flame out now that the responsibility of being “the guy” rests on his shoulders. Instead, I expect him to light the league up. Size wise, he looks the part. Meredith is 6’3”, 207 pounds. What’s more is he has already proven he can make big catches and take over games. He caught 66 passes for 888 yards and four touchdowns last year, including absolutely destroying the Colts, Jaguars, and Packers last year. He also lit up the Redskins, but they played the majority of that game in prevent defense. Still, he’s announced himself to the league. And even during the course of games, when teams have shifted defensive focus to him, he’s found a way to get the job done. It gets harder with Jeffery gone, but don’t sleep on this kid. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes for 1,200 and 10 touchdowns. Not bad for a guy who was an undrafted quarterback just a short while ago. Honorable Mentions: Roy Robertson-Harris, Victor Cruz, Tanner Gentry, Benny Cunningham, Lamarr Houston