Top 10 most important players for 2022 at the moment
10. Eddie Jackson
I believe this is a make-or-break season for Jackson. I know he is signed until 2024, but if he has another bad season like last year, he could become a real liability for the Bears. Nonetheless, he is still very talented. He can be one of the best pass covering safety in football. He needs to simply play harder and I think the new Bears' head coach Matt Eberflus could help him do just that.
9. Cole Kmet
I am a huge fan of Kmet. He is extremely physical, he can make some great catches and he's a very underrated blocker. His size is his biggest asset. He has had problems with drops, but this is clearly fixable. If he develops in the way I think he can, he could quickly become Justin Fields' best friend on the field.
8. Jaylon Johnson
Jaylon has had a great start to his career, in my opinion. He is a great player, that has amazing instincts. However, in order to take the next step, he will have to be more consistent in pass coverage. I think his role in Matt Eberflus' defense could be huge next year.
7. David Montgomery
He will be entering his fourth season. I think this is his most important one so far. He has to prove that he can take the next step and truly become an elite running back. Also, he should have a great impact in the locker room. Montgomery is known to be a great leader and an extremely hard worker.
6. Cody Whitehair
He has to be the anchor of the offensive line. He should be the centrepiece upfront. Whitehair has played great for a couple of years now and he has to keep his good play. Protecting Justin Fields is priority number one.
5. Darnell Mooney
Mooney had a huge year in 2021. He ended up the season playing some amazing football. The chemistry he built with Justin Fields was very encouraging to see. He will, most likely, have to carry the load in the playmaking area in 2022. I think he is more than capable of it.
4. Robert Quinn
Quinn is coming off his best season as a pro. His 18,5 sacks were very impressive. With the return of Khalil Mack, he should see even more one on one pass-rushing situations.
3. Roquan Smith
Smith is listed as the top candidate for a contract extension this off-season, and for good reasons. Even though he got snub as a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, he is still one of the best linebackers in the NFL. His athletic abilities are second to none. I feel like he will thrive in Matt Eberflus' system just like Darius Leonard did in Indianapolis.
2. Khalil Mack
Even though he has not played a lot last year, he still is number 2. If he can get back to his form prior to last season, the Bears' defense could be very scary. Mack is one of the most dangerous player in the league when he's healthy. He and Quinn could be such a ferocious duo that will terrorize opponent quarterback next season.
1. Justin Fields
This one is easy. Let's be honest, the Bears will go as far as Justin Fields will go in 2022. He needs to take the next step in his development. He a shown great flashes and now he needs to take it to another level. I feel like he is made of the right stuff and he will be one of the best QB in football very soon...
