Adjusting to the NFL’s playing speed takes time for some players, while others hit their stride quickly and enjoy a breakout season. For the Chicago Bears, numerous players, both rookies and veterans, are eager to showcase their full potential. With a roster filled with talent, there are several Chicago Bears breakout candidates heading into the 2024 season.
5 Chicago Bears Breakout Candidates
CB Kyler Gordon
The Chicago Bears have their own friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, who makes witty plays all over the field on defense. Kyler Gordon has steadily improved over the past two seasons, with five interceptions and 99 solo tackles. Playing one of the most challenging positions on defense, Gordon was tasked with shutting down opposing slot receivers. However, he missed seven games in his first two seasons with the Bears and needs to focus on staying healthy to continue improving. The more Gordon is on the field, the better his chances are of achieving a Pro Bowl season.
DT Gervon Dexter Sr.
With Justin Jones’ departure, Gervon Dexter Sr. is expected to take on a more prominent role for the team. A second-round pick in last year’s draft, Dexter Sr. has all the physical traits to become a dominant defensive tackle at 6’6″ and 312 pounds, running an astounding 4.88 40-yard dash. The Bears realized Dexter Sr. was capable of more, giving him more reps, and thus, he started to show improvement towards the end of the season. He should have a lot of opportunities next season and show he’s capable of becoming the Bears starting 3-technique.
Montez Sweat was very complementary of #Bears second year player Gervon Dexter Sr in his interview with Chris Long.
“He’s gonna jump out on the scene”
(via Green Light With Chris Long YT) pic.twitter.com/b2S8Qz6Iys
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) April 9, 2024
LB Jack Sanborn
With two premier linebackers starting alongside him, Jack Sanborn often flies under the radar. Despite going undrafted, Sanborn has defied the odds, earning the starting strongside linebacker role. He consistently makes smart plays and uses his natural instincts to be a presence all over the field. Sanborn was also honored with the Ed Block Award, recognizing his courage, compassion, commitment, and community service. As an Illinois native, he is beloved by Bears fans, who have high expectations for him next season.
CB Tyrique Stevenson
What started as a rough rookie year ended in a fantastic last stretch of games for Tyrique Stevenson. The second-round pick out of Miami finished his rookie campaign with four interceptions and was named the Bears Rookie of the Year. Despite the growing pains of playing one of the most demanding positions in football, Stevenson maintained his confidence through a rocky start.
“I think I just really settled down in my game,” Stevenson said during the last week of the regular season. “Just going out there understanding that I’m meant to be here and everything happens for a reason and just understanding that I’m on the field for a reason.”
Now, with a year of experience, he has the potential to become one of the league’s premier cornerbacks, especially with All-Pro Jaylon Johnson alongside him.
OG Teven Jenkins
A fan favorite, Teven Jenkins is arguably the Bears best offensive lineman. However, injuries have plagued his career, preventing him from gaining continuity on the offensive line. Jenkins hasn’t played a full season in the NFL yet, missing 20 games throughout three seasons. Despite this, there are high hopes for Jenkins next season. He finally won’t have to switch positions and will be surrounded by the best group of offensive linemen in his career with the Bears. Jenkin’s ability and potential are there; he just needs to focus on staying healthy.
Main Image: Kamil Krzaczynski – USA Today Sports
