Don’t sleep on the Bears D: Breakout candidates you need to know |
Dustin Riese
· · 7 hours ago
While the Bears' offense has been a major issue for this team, it has been the defense that has kept them afloat more often than not. Although their record may not always reflect it, and last season's 5-12 showing was another example, the Bears' defense continues to carry this team, as it has since the 2018 season.
At some point, the Bears would love to see their offense step up and take control of games, especially considering the talent they have accumulated over the past two seasons. However, in an era where offense can win games, defense will always win championships. As long as the Bears' defense continues to play at a top-10 level, they have a shot not only to win games but also to make some noise in the postseason. The other day, we discussed some potential breakout stars on the offensive side of the ball that could make or break the Bears' season. The defense is no different, as there is no shortage of stars on defense, and Dennis Allen is ready to turn this defense into an elite unit. For that to happen, the entire defense will have to come together, and that includes the reserve players who may not be seen as key contributors right now, but could be as soon as the regular season gets underway. You could write a book about how many players have the potential to be breakout candidates for this defense, but here is a list of some players who could rise to the occasion in 2025 to help turn this defense into one of the best, if not the best, units in the game.
There are several position battles to keep an eye on as the season inches closer, but it's the No. 3 linebacker position that could be the most important one of them all on the defensive side of the ball. With T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds still under contract for the next few seasons, the Bears' linebacker room already has two strong players, but with Jack Sanborn no longer in the picture, their next running mate is up for grabs. Enter Hyppolite, who not only was a mid-round selection for the Bears in this year's draft, but was one of the best performers of mini-camp as he appears to have the inside track to take that final linebacker spot. Seen as an unknown at this point, Hyppolite has all the tools in the world to become an outstanding player, and it appears he is well on his way to doing that. Should he win the final linebacker job before the start of the season, Allen deserves a ton of credit, as he has a history of getting the most out of young players. Ryan Poles will also get tons of credit for this selection, as Hyppolite could go down as one of the steals of this year's draft.Ruben Hyppolite
Grady Jarrett
While most of the talk surrounding the Bears came from the offensive line additions, there was one move on the defensive side of the ball that could go down as the steal of the offseason. That move is the addition of former Atlanta Falcons defensive Tackle Grady Jarrett, as the long-time veteran is set to take the Windy City by storm in 2025.
Jarrett may not be the player he was several years ago, but given the right system, he can still be a productive player capable of stopping the run and getting after the quarterback. That is something this team hasn't had since Akiem Hicks and their run defense has suffered because of it.
The addition of Jarrett to this defense not only provides them with a run stuffer in the middle but also brings a veteran presence to lead what is otherwise an extremely young unit. Look for him to have one of his better seasons in several years this yea,r as his presence alone is going to help Montez Sweat and others reach new levels.
Kyler Gordon
There is no doubt that the Bears' secondary has been the team's strength for several years. From Jaylon Johnson to Jaquon Brisker and Gordon, the Bears not only have one of the youngest secondaries, but also one of the best when it comes to attacking the ball and making plays.
Of all the players in the secondary, Gordon is poised to break out this season after he started to turn the corner last year. After extending Johnson last offseason, the Bears turned their attention to Gordon as the two sides came to terms on a three-year extension to keep him in Chicago for the next four seasons.
With that deal taken care of, Gordon has the massive weight of trying to produce in a contract year off his shoulders, as he can now play his style of football. Sure, you always have the possibility of him trying to live up to that contract and putting too much pressure on himself, but that shouldn't be a problem in Chicago, as Gordon could be one of the more improved players this season and is on the verge of stardom.
