Chicago Bears Insiders Were Unanimous On 2023 Breakout Pick

If the Chicago Bears are going to take a step forward this season, they will need several of their young players to become capable starters. GM Ryan Poles wanted to build this roster through the draft. That method works only if you select good players. There were positive signs last season that his first class could produce some quality talent. Jaquan Brisker led the team in sacks (as a safety) and finished second in tackles. Braxton Jones emerged to start every game at left tackle. Jack Sanborn was an unexpected discovery as an undrafted free agent.

However, most eyes remained on one name. That was Kyler Gordon. He was the first pick of the 2022 draft class. Poles viewed him as an unquestioned 1st round talent. Nobody in the Bears' war room could believe he was still available when they were finally on the clock in the 2nd round. Assistant GM Ian Cunningham even said they ran tons of simulations, and he was never there. After a rough first month in the league, Gordon finished strong with three interceptions. Insiders Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns of The Athletic posed the question of who the biggest standout of training camp was this year.

Their choice was obvious.

"Fishbain: Kyler Gordon, Spider-Man himself. Gordon has intercepted passes, he’s gotten tackles behind the line, he’s broken up passes — he’s been everywhere. It’s been one of the most encouraging signs from camp, too, to see the way he’s seemingly made a Year 2 jump after a tough rookie season. Gordon has a lot of confidence and is playing at a high level. The entire starting secondary has been probably the best unit in camp.

Jahns: Gordon. At one point, it appeared as if safety Jaquan Brisker would run away with this superlative. But Gordon has stayed healthy unlike Brisker and continued to stand out day after day. Some of the loudest moments in camp occurred when the defense knew that a big hit could be made. Throughout camp, Gordon was in position to make them. And then you saw it for real with Gordon’s quick hit and pass breakup against the Titans. In camp, Gordon blew up screens and runs, showing off that aforementioned “spidey sense” and often getting into the backfield."

Gordon emerging is perfect for the Chicago Bears.

Head coach Matt Eberflus has said three positions make up the core of his Tampa-2 defense. One is the three-technique interior pass rusher. Another is the weakside linebacker. Lastly is the nickel cornerback. Go back to the 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They had three Hall of Famers in those three positions: Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and Ronde Barber. Then fast forward to Eberflus' defenses in Indianapolis. He had DeForest Buckner, Shaq Leonard, and Kenny Moore. The Bears feel they found their weakside linebacker in T.J. Edwards. The three-technique remains uncertain. If Gordon fulfills these predictions, the defense is one step closer to regaining its elite status.

It would also be validation for Gordon himself. So many draft "experts" said the Chicago Bears made a huge mistake when they took him over Georgia receiver George Pickens. Poles didn't care. He felt the cornerback had star potential and less baggage. His play in training camp and the first preseason game have begun to validate those feelings. Everybody in the locker room can't wait to see him turn it loose next month.