We’re still a few months from the start of the 2020 season, where the Chicago Bears will be looking to prove that their disappointing 2019 season was a fluke rather than a trend.
The Bears made some moves this offseason that they hope will bolster their team, including the additions of pass rusher Robert Quinn, quarterback Nick Foles and rookie cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
But there are several players from last season that are either returning from injury or have the potential to have breakout seasons.
Here are the eight Bears we’re most excited to see play in 2020.
1. DT Akiem Hicks
While the Bears defense was among the best in the NFL last season, they certainly missed the presence of defensive tackle Akiem Hicks in the middle. Hicks suffered an elbow injury in Week 5, and he was placed on injured reserve. Hicks’ return instantly improves Chicago’s pass rush, which struggled with his absence last season.
2. RB David Montgomery
Running back David Montgomery had a solid rookie season for the Bears, but he was limited in what he could do behind a struggling offensive line. While Chicago’s offensive line will look pretty similar to last year’s group, the Bears are banking on the additions of offensive line coach Juan Castillo and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor to get the run game going.
3. CB Jaylon Johnson
With the departure of Prince Amukamara, rookie Jaylon Johnson is the favorite to win the starting job opposite Kyle Fuller. The Bears got a steal in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft in Johnson, who was dubbed a first-round talent by many analysts. Johnson is a versatile, athletic corner who has a great chance of locking down a starting spot in his rookie year.
4. WR Riley Ridley
There was a lot of hype surrounding Bears’ fourth-round pick receiver Riley Ridley last year. Although, that didn’t equate to playing time, as Ridley didn’t see the field often. That figures to change this season, where Ridley is entering his second year in Matt Nagy’s offense. He’ll have a chance to showcase his strong route-running ability that made him a must-draft pick by Ryan Pace.
5. OLB Robert Quinn
The Bears strengthened their pass rush with the addition of former All-Pro Robert Quinn, and all eyes will be glued on him and partner-in-crime Khalil Mack in 2020. With Mack garnering a lot of double and triple teams, Quinn could see some one-on-one opportunities. His play could also help open up Mack to bear down on quarterbacks.
6. ILB Roquan Smith
Roquan Smith appears to be the lone first-round pick that Pace has managed to hit on since arriving in Chicago in 2015. Smith has showed that he can be a great leader for this dominant defense for years to come. While he hit a snag earlier in his second season, he was playing some of his best football before suffering a torn pec in Week 14 against the Dallas Cowboys. The Bears are expecting big things from Smith in 2020.
7. QBs Mitchell Trubisky, Nick Foles
All eyes will be glued on whoever wins the starting quarterback job between Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles. While quarterback wasn’t the only issue on offense last season, it was a big one. Solid quarterback play would certainly help the offense, which is something that would benefit the defense. With the Bears in win-now mode, whoever wins the job will certainly be on a leash this season.
8. WR Anthony Miller
It took receiver Anthony Miller some time to get going last season for the Bears, but when he did, he showed why Pace traded up to grab him in the second round back in 2018. There was a five-game stretch where Miller tallied 33 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns between Weeks 11-15. Miller did suffer another shoulder injury, which required surgery, but the team is expecting big things from him in 2020.
