Jaquan Brisker has bold prediction for Bears defense in 2024

There's been a lot of hype surrounding the Chicago Bears this offseason, given the addition of No. 1 pick quarterback Caleb Williams and other pieces on offense. But the defense has been flying under the radar, considering they're poised to make progress as one of the better units in the league.

But if you ask third-year safety Jaquan Brisker, the sky's the limit for this Bears defense -- he believes they're going to be a top-five unit. To some it might seem like a bold prediction. But not to Brisker and Chicago's defense. It's the expectation.

"We’re going to be a top five defense, and we expect that this year," Brisker said. "...There’s a difference in this defense, and we’re not there yet, but we’ll continue to get better."

That's been the message throughout the offseason program and training camp, where the Bears offense has repeatedly referred to the defense as a top-five group that has challenged them.

When looking at the potential of this Bears defense in 2024, look no further than the second half of the 2023 season. Following the acquisition of pass rusher Montez Sweat, Chicago's defense was a top-five unit in the final two months of the season.

They totaled 28 takeaways, which was tied for the fifth most in the NFL, and tied for the most interceptions (22) with the San Francisco 49ers. The Bears also allowed 15.5 points per game in the final six contests, where they went 4-2 to close the season.

Chicago didn’t completely overhaul the defense, like last offseason. The high expectations stem from the current group in place (with a few additions, including safety Kevin Byard and defensive coordinator Eric Washington). The Bears have one of the best linebacker corps in the league with T.J. Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds and Jack Sanborn, who now have an entire season together under their belt. Chicago also has a potential top secondary with cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson along with safeties Jaquan Brisker and Byard.

If there's one question mark, it's the defensive line. Sweat established himself as a Pro Bowl edge rusher last year, but there's no clear-cut guy opposite him. But they've got options between DeMarcus Walker, Austin Booker and Darrell Taylor. Meanwhile, the interior defensive line lacks depth behind Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter.

Still, the Bears, on paper, have the potential to be one of the top defenses in the NFL this season. And that would be extremely beneficial for a rookie quarterback like Williams.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Jaquan Brisker has bold prediction for Bears defense in 2024