Four Chicago Bears players looking to put together their first Pro Bowl campaigns during the 2024 season
The Chicago Bears are expected to have an exciting breakout season in 2024 following all of the additions and changes made this offseason.While the Bears have plenty of potential breakout players who can help carry the team to new heights in 2024, the team also has a few budding stars eager to finally earn some […]
The Chicago Bears are expected to have an exciting breakout season in 2024 following all of the additions and changes made this offseason.
While the Bears have plenty of potential breakout players who can help carry the team to new heights in 2024, the team also has a few budding stars eager to finally earn some national recognition around the league.
After having two players selected to the Pro Bowl in 2023 (cornerback Jaylon Johnson and defensive end Montez Sweat) the team also had a few players snubbed from the list that should've been on there. Things should change in 2024, and here are four players who have a strong chance to get their first career Pro Bowl nod this season.
1. DJ Moore
This one comes as a given and it's honestly disrespectful that wide receiver DJ Moore didn't make the cut in 2023. Moore set career-highs in every receiving category during his first season in Chicago and his 1,364 yards ranked sixth in the entire league.
Within the new scheme being installed in Chicago under new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, Moore is expected to be the biggest factor within the Bears offense.
"He turns into a running back once he possesses the football," defensive coordinator Eric Washington said. "He's very dangerous once he gets the ball in his hands. You have to do a great job of not letting him catch the ball and then just doing a good job being really efficient as far as your tackling is concerned."
If Moore's connection with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams starts early and fast, he should be even for an even stronger 2024 campaign. And this time, the voters should learn from their mistakes of last season.
2. T.J. Edwards
The Bears standout linebacker is another player who was robbed of Pro Bowl recognitions during the 2023 season. T.J. Edwards excelled during his first year in Chicago as well ranking seventh in total tackles while having three interceptions.
With another year under his belt in head coach Matt Eberflus' defensive system, Edwards will be able to hit the ground running in 2024 and look to top his career-high numbers he set last season.
"I think it's nice to have that familiarity for sure," Edwards said. "Coming back, running the same type of scheme, having the confidence within that. And I think just for us, chemistry in football is such a big thing. Knowing how certain guys are gonna play and certain guys are gonna fit. And even just how they are in terms of how you communicate with one another. So it's all those things it really helps us a lot. I'm excited about where we are for sure."
Fellow linebacker Tremaine Edmunds will also be looking to return to a Pro Bowl level after a slightly down year by his standards in 2023. The team's linebacker duo will be a major factor in the defense's success this upcoming season.
3. Tory Taylor
If rookie punter Tory Taylor lives up to his draft stock and brings his record-breaking talents to the next level, why wouldn't he be in line for a Pro Bowl nod? Everything seen out of practice at Halas Hall this offseason proves that Taylor's leg is the real deal and he will be a legitimate weapon for the team this season.
The last time a rookie was named to the Pro Bowl was in 2019 when Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson got the nod and was named as a first-team All Pro selection.
Taylor certainly has that kind of upside for the Bears entering his first season in the league. For context, Taylor's 4,479 punt yardage would have ranked third in the league last season. The only downside is that the Bears offense ideally won't be calling Taylor's name as often as Iowa did in 2023.
4. Darnell Wright
After largely impressing during his rookie season going up against some of the top pass rushers in the NFL, Bears right tackle Darnell Wright is in line to receive some more national attention in his sophomore season.
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks already penciled in Wright as a player who could play at a Pro Bowl level in 2024 and turn some heads his direction. Brooks has the right idea and protecting the first overall pick's edge will certainly give Wright some more attention.
Blocking one-on-one on the edge last season, Wright only allowed eight pressures on 91 such snaps. That's incredible work for a rookie offensive lineman, who will only get even better as he heads into his second season.
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