Predicting Bears' Breakout Players at 2023 OTAs, Minicamp
The Chicago Bears should be a better team during the 2023 NFL season than they were in 2022. It would take a lot of things to go wrong for them to again finish 3-14 or worse.
Throughout the offseason, Chicago has made moves to acquire more young talent and plug some of the holes on its roster. It seems unlikely the team will be a playoff contender this upcoming season, but it should fare a bit better at least.
The Bears are about to begin preparing for 2023, as they're set to hold OTA offseason workouts Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. They'll have more from May 30-June 1, followed by further sessions from June 5-8 and a mandatory minicamp June 13-15.
Here's a look at several Chicago players who could start breakout seasons with strong showings at those upcoming offseason activities.
Chase Claypool, WR
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The Bears didn't get the best version of wide receiver Chase Claypool after acquiring him in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers last November.
In seven games following that deal, which required Chicago to give up a 2023 second-round draft pick, the 24-year-old had only 14 catches for 140 yards.
But Claypool flashed his potential over the previous two seasons in Pittsburgh. He scored nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2020, and he had 1,733 receiving yards in 31 games across his first two years in the NFL. He has the necessary talent to become an impact playmaker.
That's why the Notre Dame product could be poised for bigger things in 2023, especially now that he'll be more familiar with the Bears' playbook. He should have a better chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields, and there will be a stronger offense in place around them.
Opposing defenses may have trouble trying to cover a receiving corps now featuring the trio of DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney and Claypool, allowing all of them to excel.
Claypool could become the breakout performer of the group.
Braxton Jones, OT
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There's a lot of hype surrounding the right end of Chicago's offensive line. That's where Darnell Wright, who was selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 draft, should immediately slot in as the starting right tackle.
But what about the left side? It will likely be Braxton Jones again tasked with protecting Fields' blind side. And the 2022 fifth-round pick, who immediately became a starter himself, could take a big step forward this year.
The 24-year-old got 17 games of starting experience, which was a bit surprising, considering how late he had been drafted. Yet, he more than held his own, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 75.4 that ranked 19th among NFL left tackles for 2022.
Now that the Southern Utah product has a full year under his belt, he should only get better, especially because the Bears' O-line is much improved.
Don't be surprised if Jones becomes a steady force for Chicago in the years to come.
Dominique Robinson, DE
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Like Jones, Dominique Robinson was also selected by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft, but the defensive end wasn't quite as productive during his rookie campaign.
The 24-year-old played all 17 games for Chicago last season and made seven starts, but he recorded only 1.5 sacks as part of a pass rush unit that struggled. The Bears ranked last in the NFL with only 20 total sacks.
That's one area where Chicago needs to greatly improve in 2023, and it's possible the former Miami RedHawks player can help it do so. He has gained valuable experience and didn't nearly play up to his full potential.
Robinson, a 6'4", 249-pound edge-rusher, has the size and athleticism to make a larger impact from the Bears' defensive front. He could take a decent step forward this upcoming season, as he should get an opportunity to remain in the team's rotation on the edges.
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