Chicago Bears: Rookie Defensive Backs Already Making Impression

At the start of OTAs, the Chicago Bears’ top two draft picks are already making an impression.

The Chicago Bears started their organized team activities, or OTAs, this week. This is when the coaches get to see the players in action…sort of. There are no pads and no hitting, but they get to run plays. This is a good start before training camp begins.

The coaches get to check out some of their roster additions and see how they move. Two of the players getting a good look are the Bears’ top picks in this year’s NFL Draft. They selected cornerback Kyler Gordon with their first of two second-round picks. The other pick was used on safety Jaquan Brisker.

It’s still early, of course, but the two players are already making an impression on the coaches. The staff likes how they look and move on the field. This is what head coach Matt Eberflus said about Gordon:

Kyler’s been lighting it up the last two days. The guy’s got tremendous ball skills. He’s been playing defense the right way and we’re very impressed with him. He’s doing a good job the first two days. He’s young. He’s got a lot to learn, but we’re excited where he is with his ball-hawking skills, no question.

As Eberflus mentioned, it is still early and being a rookie Gordon still has a lot to learn. However, he looks like he has the skills to have a long and productive NFL career. If he does become as good as the Bears expect, it will give the defense a great young and athletic duo at cornerback. That is important since they have to see Aaron Rodgers twice a season.

Brisker also impressing

Brisker is also making an impression around the league. ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen listed the top ten draft picks this year who are in a good situation. One of those listed was Brisker. Bowen feels Brisker can thrive right away and is in a great place to do so.

Bowen himself was a safety so he could see Brisker’s abilities and see how good he could be.

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The Bears like how they can move Brisker around. He is a strong safety but could also play some free safety and even cover the slot. That versatility just makes coaches happy.

Brisker can help Jackson return to form

Having Brisker also helps Eddie Jackson. Since Adrian Amos left Jackson hasn’t been the same. He jelled with neither Ha Ha Clinton-Dix nor Tashaun Gipson.

In his first two seasons playing alongside Amos, Jackson had 8 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 4 fumble recoveries, and 5 total touchdowns. In the last three seasons without him, he recorded just 2 interceptions, 5 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and one touchdown.

The Bears hope Jackson returns to form playing alongside Brisker. He can teach the rookie a lot of things and jell better. Brisker is a clay ball that Jackson can help mold.

The Bears might have to wait before the offense becomes competent, let alone a well-oiled machine. If these two young defenders come out and play well right away, though, the defense will once again become a tough one to score against.