We’re a few days into training camp and it’s time to discuss which rookie will have the biggest impact on the 2022-23 season. Without a first round pick from this years draft there may not be a clear cut choice. The Bears usually blow their first round pick anyhow. Roquan Smith and Justin Fields being exceptions of course. So let’s take a closer look at several players.
Velus Jones Jr.
This receiver out of Tennessee has blazing speed and can take the top off the defense. Unfortunately as a receiver I don’t see him doing to much more. Very stiff not very agile, not a great route runner unless he’s running straight and he has average hands. He is most likely the opening day return man. He could make a splash there. I don’t see much more then 30 catches for Jones this season.
Braxton Jones
A 5th round pick out of Utah Southern, he is currently number one on the depth chart at right tackle. I’m not so sure that’s a good thing for Bears fans. 
This was supposed to be last year’s number two pick Teven Jenkins spot. Jenkins had an injury to start the season last year and immediately Bears former first rounder Chris Williams came to mind. It say’s a lot about Braxton that he’s competing for a starting spot as a rookie 5th round pick, but Bears fans prefer Jenkins plays well and takes that spot.
Kyler Gordon
The corner out of Washington was taken in the second round with the Bears first pick. 
Almost certainly the starter opposite Jaylon Johnson, he’s physical and tough. He can be a really solid corner for years to come. Gordon isn’t much of a playmaker however and isn’t all that fast either. With Just two interceptions in his College career, don’t expect him to create lots of turnovers.
Jaquan Brisker
This is who Bears fans should be most excited about. A play making safety out of Penn State, Brisker reminds me a lot of Mike Brown but faster. Brisker loves to play around the line of scrimmage and use his great speed to bail back into coverage or to blitz. Brisker does come with one big concern however. He’s a safety and loves to lay big hits, wrapping up and bringing guys down is an issue for him. There is already plenty of that in the Bears secondary. Hopefully it’s something he can improve in training camp before opening day. 
Bears rookie class overall
Without a first round pick it’s not the greatest rookie class in Bears history but it has potential. The Bears also drafted their new punter in the 7th round Trenton Gill. Don’t underestimate the punter position. Poles also drafted depth on the offensive line. With that and the potential of Gordon and Brisker it could end being a solid class, but in the NFL it usually takes a minimum of three seasons before you can give a fair assessment.
