The Chicago Bears have long struggled for national recognition for their players. That is the price paid for being a largely losing football organization for the past 12 years. Not many homegrown players have reached a Pro Bowl, and even fewer manage to crack annual lists of the 100 best in the NFL. It appears the 2023 version isn’t much different. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports is one of the most experienced analysts going these days. He produced his own ranking of the top 100 players in the league right now.
There were some no-brainers like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Nick Bosa, Micah Parsons, and Justin Jefferson. Unfortunately, as the list went on, it became apparent that the Bears were nowhere to be found. Only one name finally surfaced late in the rankings, and it isn’t the one you’re probably thinking of.
“78. Justin Fields
He showed off some amazing talent in a bad offense last season. His ability to run was special — rushing for 1,143 yards — but now with more help around him his passing ability should show big-time growth.”
To be clear, Tremaine Edmunds is also on the list. While technically a Bears player, he’s yet to play a snap for them. All of his accomplishments were in Buffalo. So he doesn’t really count. While it is great to see Fields on the list, it hits home how little respect the team’s current roster gets from the national media.
The Chicago Bears have lots of proving to do this year.
Several players no doubt feel they belong on that list. Eddie Jackson made another Pro Bowl after a big rebound season in 2022. Jaquan Brisker flashed lots of potential at the other safety spot. Braxton Jones and Teven Jenkins looked like capable building blocks on the offensive line. One can presume Edmunds will remain in the top 100 despite changing teams. D.J. Moore should also get back into the conversation as he looked to help Fields continue ascending among the league’s quarterbacks.
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What isn’t certain is who else could emerge. The Chicago Bears have a promising draft class incoming. Others from the 2022 group might emerge, such as Kyler Gordon or Velus Jones. If nothing else, this reality hits home how depleted the roster was. GM Ryan Poles tore everything down so he could rebuild it properly. While not a bad idea, it’s also a harsh reminder that it will take time before multiple Bears players get national recognition again. It will be exciting to see things develop.
Poles is building the foundation and will work on getting blue chip players over the next year or two.
Though I have followed the preseason hype for years (Bears fan since 1964), I am guardedly optimistic this year will turn out well because: 1) the division contains no clear favorite (thanks for leaving ARod), 2) there are many young players in year 2 of what is explained as a complicated offense, 3) the players added in free agency and the draft are significant upgrades, 4) the roster is deeper than most years, 5) they still have $32M spendable in salary cap this year and 4th or 5th most next year, and 6) with all the trades, they have 6… Read more »
“Eddie Jackson made another Pro Bowl after a big rebound season in 2022.”
What a fucking idiot. 🤬
Eddie Jackson did NOT make the pro bowl in 2022.
top 100 is pretty much just a popularity contest anyway.