Jaquan Brisker has a bold prediction for the Bears defense in 2024

There was a lot of hype surrounding the Chicago Bears this offseason as they signed quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick and added other offensive players, but the defense went unnoticed, even though they are on the verge of establishing themselves as one of the better units in the league.

But if you ask third-year safety Jaquan Brisker, the sky's the limit for the Bears' defense — he believes they'll be a top-five prospect. That might be a bold prediction for some. But not for Brisker and the Chicago defense. That's the expectation.

“We're going to be a top-five defense, and that's what we expect this year,” Brisker said. “… There's a difference in this defense, and we're not there yet, but we're going to continue to improve.”

That was the message throughout the offseason program and training camp, with the Bears offense repeatedly citing their defense as one of the top five teams they have challenged.

When considering the potential of this Bears defense in 2024, one only has to look to the second half of the 2023 season. After signing pass rusher Montez Sweat, Chicago's defense was a top-five unit over the final two months of the season.

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

Chicago hasn't completely rebuilt its defense like it did last offseason. The high expectations come from the current group (with some new additions, including safety Kevin Byard and defensive coordinator Eric Washington). The Bears have one of the best linebacker teams in the league with TJ Edwards, Tremaine Edmunds and Jack Sanborn now having played a full season together. Chicago also has a potentially top-notch secondary with cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson and safeties Jaquan Brisker and Byard.

If there is a question mark, it is the defensive line. Sweat established himself as a Pro Bowl edge rusher last year, but there is no clearly defined opponent opposite him. But they have options between DeMarcus Walker, Austin Booker and Darrell Taylor. Meanwhile, the interior defensive line lacks depth behind Andrew Billings and Gervon Dexter.

Still, on paper, the Bears have the potential to be one of the best 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 a bold prediction for the Bears defense in 2024