Having young players ascend is the entire foundational strategy for Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus. Draft and develop. This is the goal they set when they took over in 2022. So far, they've had some success in this department. Three members of that first class are already starters. Two players from the 2023 class started as rookies, while three others were regular contributors. Expectations are that Caleb Williams and Tory Taylor will immediately start for this year's group while Rome Odunze and even Austin Booker find regular roles.
Still, a team is only as strong as its star power. The Bears do have some key pieces in that category, like D.J. Moore, Montez Sweat, and Jaylon Johnson. One of those draft picks has to reach the same tier this season if the team wants to take a step forward. Nate Tice of Yahoo Sports unveiled a list of players he believes, based on film study, are poised for a breakout campaign in 2024. It may surprise some of you to learn the name he picked out for the Bears. It probably isn't the first you thought of.
"Cornerback/slot
Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans
Roger McCreary, Tennessee Titans
Kyler Gordon, Chicago BearsGordon was key for a Bears defense that played like a top-10 unit in the back half of the season. You can actually track the Bears' statistical improvement to when Gordon was reinserted into the Bears' lineup in Week 6 after an injury. Gordon is another terror in the slot who can impact the game in multiple ways and is a key cog in the Bears' zone-heavy scheme that requires smarts and feel for space. Gordon helps round out what I think is the best cornerback trio in the NFL right now, alongside Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson."
The Chicago Bears have high expectations for Kyler Gordon.
It isn't hard to understand why. The former 2nd round pick has six interceptions across his first two seasons. He's quickly developed into one of the NFL's better slot cornerbacks. As quarterbacks become more wary of targeting Jaylon Johnson, they are sure to look his way for potential completions. That means increased opportunities to force turnovers. Gordon has a good nose for the football. It was always about adjusting to the speed of the NFL level. Last season showed he has done that.
Nickel corners tend to thrive in this Tampa-2 defensive scheme. Ronde Barber did so in Tampa Bay. Kenny Moore did under Matt Eberflus in Indianapolis. Gordon has a chance to do the same for the Chicago Bears. He seems to have mastered the responsibilities of his position. Now, the goal is simple. Make plays. His instincts are there. The athleticism isn't an issue. Throw experience on top of it, and the dominoes should start falling. The only thing he needs to go right is his health. Gordon had some nagging injuries last season.
