The Chicago Bears left the 2022 NFL Draft with 11 players selected.
Most of these players saw playing time with the team in 2022.
However, only one of these players got the honor of being named the Bears Rookie of the Year.
For this season, rookie safety Jaquan Brisker took this honor.
.@JaquanBrisker is just getting started 😈
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 20, 2023
While offensive lineman Braxton Jones gave him a run for his money, it was Brisker’s dominance that got him the award.
His 2022-23 NFL season was impressive, as he gave fans plenty of highlight reel moments.
One-handed!@JaquanBrisker gets the INT. 🙌
📺: #CHIvsNE on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2HQeNdaFPc pic.twitter.com/4r3PeOsdHe— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2022
For the season, Brisker had 104 combined tackles, four sacks, and one interception in 15 games.
These numbers put him in an elite company, both as a Bears player and a rookie.
The four sacks tied him for fourth among rookie players this season.
Most sacks by rookies this season:
Aidan Hutchinson 9.5
James Houston 8.0
George Karlaftis 6.0
Kayvon Thibodeaux 4.0
Jaquan Brisker 4.0 pic.twitter.com/nmDOKng0mB— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 12, 2023
He was also good enough to make the TDN All-Rookie team for 2022.
The future is bright for Bears SAF Jaquan Brisker ⭐️
Another addition to the 2022 TDN All-Rookie team ✍️#RatedRookie | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/LDGbETwfro
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) January 21, 2023
Because of all these numbers and honors, it was easy for the Bears to name him their Rookie of the Year.
It also helped when he was the team’s defensive sack leader.
While that’s impressive for him, it’s embarrassing for the team’s defensive front.
However, because he was a defensive anchor during his rookie season, it made sense to honor him for his performance.
With 2022 now behind the Bears, Brisker and the team need to make improvements for 2023.
While he can’t be Rookie of the Year again, he can continue shining bright to win other awards.
If 2022 was just the beginning, fans are in for a treat with Brisker when the 2023 NFL season begins.