The Chicago Bears assigned their 2022 draft picks their jersey numbers on Wednesday, officially welcoming a new class of players who will do their part to help turn the Bears' fortunes around.
Here's the complete list:
#Bears rookie jersey numbers!
— Bears Talk (@TheBearsTalk) May 4, 2022
Kyler Gordon: 6
Jaquan Brisker: 9
Velus Jones Jr.: 12
Braxton Jones: 70
Dominique Robinson: 91
Zachary Thomas: 74
Trestan Ebner: 31
Doug Kramer: 68
Ja’Tyre Carter: 69
Elijah Hicks: 37
Trenton Gill: 16
What jumps out immediately are the jersey numbers chosen by second-round picks Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker. Both rookies took advantage of a rule passed last season that allows defensive backs to wear numbers between 1-49. It was a break from that traditional cornerback and safety numbers fans became accustomed to when the positions were limited to a range of 20-49.
Gordon, who will wear six, and Brisker, who chose nine, will be joining Eddie Jackson (No. 4) and Jaylon Johnson (No. 33) as the primary starters in the defensive backfield. Three out of four starting defensive backs in single digits? The traditionalists are going to struggle to watch that.
Wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. is donning Allen Robinson's former No. 12, while edge rusher Dominique Robinson will sport No. 91. Robinson's choice comes with a little bit of pressure. Quality defensive linemen like Tommie Harris and most recently, Eddie Goldman, wore 91 with success. Robinson will do his best to keep that trend going.
And how about the punter, huh? Pat O'Donnell has barely been gone for one month and his number has already been handed out to his replacement, Trenton Gill. Harsh.