By all indications, the Chicago Bears did well in the 2022 NFL Draft. Their first two selections, cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker, emerged as defensive starters right away. Fifth-round pick Braxton Jones has taken every rep at left tackle. And undrafted rookie Jack Sanborn has been an incredible surprise as a productive starter at inside linebacker.
But it’s Brisker who was the focus of Bears coach Matt Eberflus’ praise Wednesday. He spoke glowingly of the former Penn State star and his approach to his craft during his rookie season.
“We’re pleasantly surprised where he is,” Eberflus said, “where he’s grown to, and every time we’ve asked him to do something to get better at, he’s done it. So we’re excited where this is going here the next four games.”
Brisker’s missed the last two weeks with a concussion but has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and is good to go against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15.
Jaquan Brisker is fourth on the Bears in tackles (73) and leads Chicago in sacks with three. The fact he leads the Bears in sacks is either a credit to his quarterback-hunting ability or a harsh reality check for how bad Chicago’s pass rush is.
Brisker has the Bears’ second-highest Pro Football Focus grade among regular starters on defense (69.9), as well as the second-highest coverage grade on the team. Simply put, he’s been fantastic. And he’ll be a gigantic part of the Chicago Bears’ long-term plan as they enter the second year of a massive rebuilding project.
