It is important not to read too much into minicamps and OTAs. Still, the 2022 draft class has offered lots of intrigue going into training camp. Braxton Jones emerged as the starting left tackle. Velus Jones was wearing defensive backs out with his speed. Yet the biggest talking point may have been Jaquan Brisker. The 2nd round pick was everywhere on the field, punching balls out and getting interceptions. Coaches couldn’t stop gushing about him. This offers hope for what is coming.
The best part might be his mentality. Brisker isn’t what you’d call a modern safety. Most of them are entirely focused on turnovers and may not embrace the game’s physicality. That isn’t the case with him. He loves playing that style. The rookie said as much last month. When listening to him talk, fans can easily wonder if he’s in the wrong time period. He would’ve been a great fit with those iconic defenses of the 1980s.
“I feel like I’m an old-school safety. I love being physical, but at the same time, I can show my versatility in the back end. I can attack the ball, I can cover, and then obviously in the box. I love to hit. I love to tackle and take on blocks.”
Jaquan Brisker can be a rare specimen for his position.
Most safeties fall into one of two categories. They’re either rangy ballhawks known for seeking interceptions or box dwellers that help stop the run and blitz. Not many have the capability to be both. Brisker is one of those types. At 6’1, 200 lbs, he has the size to throw his body around like a missile, knocking ball carriers down. Even offensive linemen have found it difficult to handle him when he comes at them with purpose.
This makes it easy to overlook his speed and instincts. Jaquan Brisker can run a 4.49 and compliments that with an ability to read what quarterbacks are going to do before the snap. Older Bears fans will be reminded of Gary Fencik. While his reputation centered around physicality, people forget the 38 interceptions he had as a starter. Brisker has that same level of capability. If he reaches that potential, the Bears defense has a future superstar.
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