The Chicago Bears had plenty of positions to focus on during their active off-season. Perhaps the one that got the most attention, to the surprise of many, was the linebackers. They paid former Pro Bowler Tremaine Edmunds $18 million per year to come over from Buffalo, snagged underrated veteran T.J. Edwards from Philadelphia, and finally added Oregon standout Noah Sewell in the 5th round. Such an influx of talent has many people excited about the Bears’ run defense being much improved. It also makes it easy to forget they still have somebody already on the roster who is just scratching the surface of his potential. That is Jack Sanborn.
Nobody saw the former undrafted free agent from Wisconsin coming last year. Sure, his productive college career had many optimistic he might develop into a starter one day. They never expected he would play like one almost from the moment he stepped on the field. After the Bears traded Roquan Smith in November, Sanborn had to step into the middle linebacker role. Across six starts, he collected 59 tackles, two sacks, five tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery. Sadly an against Philadelphia ended his season.
Sanjit T, a prominent tape analyst on YouTube, believes Sanborn showed the makings of a potential star.
Jack Sanborn faces a difficult challenge.
While his injury isn’t expected to give him any problems in the long term, it’s uncertain if he can be the player he was last season. That is because he will be at a different position. Sanborn made his noise last year at middle linebacker. Edmunds now occupies that spot. It means the second-year man will move to the strong-side (SAM) position. Based on traditional responsibilities, the SAM is supposed to line up wherever the opposing tight end is. This would be a potential concern. Tight ends today are known more for pass-catching prowess than blocking. Coverage is not something people would call Sanborn’s strength.
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SAMs are also often required to be capable pass rushers. That is where Jack Sanborn may be okay. His two sacks last year and 11.5 in college prove he can attack the quarterback when required. The only thing people don’t have to worry about is his preparation. Sanborn is always on top of everything when it comes to reading what the offense will do. It’s hard to say if he can be as effective as he was in the middle, but the Bears seem confident he can make the transition. If he does, this defense could have one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL.
