Hot Name Among NFL Execs For 2023 Breakout Player? Jaquan Brisker

The Chicago Bears don't usually register on the national radar when it comes to young, exciting talent. That is a consequence of poor drafting over the past decade. However, it appears some knowledgeable people around the league can sense something building at Halas Hall. Despite their rough 3-14 record last season, several young players emerged as potential pieces for their new foundation. A rumor going around is that NFL executives were asked about names to remember. Among the most popular was Jaquan Brisker.

They believe the young safety is poised for a major breakout this year.

It's not hard to understand why. The 2nd round pick was one of their best players on defense right out of the gate. He led the team in sacks with four and had one of the best interceptions of any defensive back last season. However, don't bother approaching Brisker with such comments. In his mind, his 2022 season was a disappointment. Way too many missed opportunities.

“I wouldn’t say really too much, to be honest. I really wasn’t happy,” he said. “Yeah, I wasn’t happy. We went 3-14. I feel like I didn’t have the year I should have had. (I’ve) got to finish off the year strong. I’ve got to finish out the year healthy.”

Jaquan Brisker demands big things of himself this year.

He's fully engrossed in the defensive scheme. His body is healthy, and now he should be in NFL shape. Better still, the Bears had a busy off-season upgrading the roster around him. Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards fortified the linebacker position. DeMarcus Walker, Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter, and Zacch Pickens all arrived to help a beleaguered defensive line. If that front seven plays up to its potential, life will become far easier for Brisker on the back end. That should free him up to freelance more often, which is something he does so well.

The Bears' secondary has a chance to be one of the best in football this year. Eddie Jackson made another Pro Bowl with a stellar comeback last season. Jaylon Johnson remains dependable at cornerback. Now Kyler Gordon and rookie Tyrique Stevenson add more athleticism and playmaking potential. Yet Jaquan Brisker might be the lynchpin to everything. If he displays the form he had at Penn State, this defense will be something to watch.