The Chicago Bears caused a considerable stir during the 2nd round of the NFL draft when they used two picks in that range on defensive backs. Many experts were perplexed that GM Ryan Poles refused to use either selection on an offensive player who could help quarterback Justin Fields. Poles was undeterred by the noise. He was confident he'd made the right call on both picks. Jaquan Brisker certainly agreed with him.
The Penn State safety was the second of the two picks at 48th overall. Several experts felt he should've gone in the 1st round based on his obvious talent. Brisker agreed. Poles gave the young defender a phone call to let him know he was getting drafted. While Brisker was thrilled and beyond excited to join the Bears, he made one thing clear. Chicago was getting the steal of the entire draft.
Not once, but twice.
The young man does not lack confidence. He feels like NFL teams disrespected him by not taking him earlier. It didn't help that two other safeties, Lewis Cine and Daxton Hill, went in the 1st, and both were ranked behind him on many draft boards. That had to sting. So now Jaquan Brisker is a man with a chip on his shoulder. The same thing happened with Jaylon Johnson back in 2020. That seemed to work out pretty well for the Bears. Even better from his perspective is the coaching staff he lands under. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams has coached defensive backs for two decades. During that time, he's helped develop some excellent safeties, including Bob Sanders, Harrison Smith, and Glover Quin. He will know exactly what to do to make Brisker into the player he's capable of becoming. It won't be a surprise if he's one of the best safeties in the division by next season. One thing is for sure. Motivation and swagger won't be in short supply.
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