GM Ryan Poles had two names circled when the Chicago Bears prepared to kick off the 2022 NFL draft. One was Washington cornerback Kyler Gordon, and the other was Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker. His first choice was Gordon since he played a more premium position. However, the Chicago Bears decision-maker was overjoyed to realize his other preferred option was still on the board a few picks later at 48th overall. Brisker joined the team as well.
It didn’t take long for buzz to surface at Halas Hall that the young safety was establishing himself as a heavy favorite to start opposite Eddie Jackson. It seemed like he was around the football on almost every play. Some people thought that was an exaggeration. Then they got a taste of it on Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs. During one drive in the 2nd round, Brisker opted to take over the game.
It started with a tone-setting hit on wide receiver Skyy Moore.
Jaquan Brisker pic.twitter.com/09V7zT8nfp
— Gustavo (@iamvega1982) August 13, 2022
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
On the next play, Brisker screamed down the line of scrimmage to drop a Chiefs running back for a two-yard loss.
Rookie @JaquanBrisker making his presence known. 😤 #DaBears
📺: #KCvsCHI on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/3mvoWh7UD3 pic.twitter.com/ScvVP7hz8f— NFL (@NFL) August 13, 2022
Two plays after that, facing 3rd and 7, Brisker showcased his range and instincts in coverage and coming painfully close to an interception, forcing a Chiefs punt.
Jaquan Brisker already looks like a future Pro Bowler.
It isn’t unusual to see a young safety make a good play or two during a preseason game. Seeing him make three of them in a five-play sequence is entirely different. Combine this with all the positive buzz in training camp. It is hard not to feel like the Bears have something in the young man. If he is making players already despite no NFL experience, it is terrifying to imagine what he might become with time.
What makes it even better is that he’s in a defensive scheme with a long history of elevating safeties. John Lynch, Bob Sanders, and Mike Brown are three such examples. If Jaquan Brisker stays healthy and masters this system, he will give nightmares to opposing offenses for the next decade. It is also a welcome sign that he was one of Poles’ first draft picks.
Lots of the young defensive guys looked pretty good. Maybe there is hope for this defense.
Just as J Sanborn showed why R Smith needs to wake up and realize his actual value is in decline, Brisker is showing E Jack he is not the best safety on this roster.
Perhaps off subject a bit. But, did I see Jackson doing his same shit of throwing his shoulder at runners instead of wrapping them up? If he still won’t tackle he’s a waste!
Best safety since brown
Eddie Jackson had better pick it up or he’s going to be an afterthought really quick …