Chicago Bears: 3 Locks to make the Pro Bowl in 2017

With a better record in 2017, the Chicago Bears should have at least three players make the Pro Bowl.

The Chicago Bears had only one player selected to the 2016 Pro Bowl (running back Jordan Howard). In a 3-13 campaign, Howard was really the only bright spot, and it’s actually quite rare for a three-win team to even have a Pro Bowl player.

The upcoming 2017 season doesn’t seem to be ending with a Super Bowl trip, nor even a playoff appearance. With that being said, the Bears should still field a better team than last season, and in turn, the team should have at least three Pro Bowlers.

Here are the three players most likely to earn a nod:

Jordan Howard

He was in the Pro Bowl last season, so why can’t he be this season? His 2016 season was even more remarkable considering he was a non-factor the first three games of the season. With a full 16-game slate, Howard should be able to at least duplicate those numbers (1,313 yards, 6 touchdowns), if not improve upon them.

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Howard also should see an uptick in his receiving numbers, as either Mike Glennon or Mitchell Trubisky likely will throw a lot of short, quick passes. The “sophomore slump” is a concern, but Howard is a bell cow running back on a team that should run the ball a ton. He should start making his travel plans now.

Akiem Hicks

Hicks by far was the defense’s most consistent player in 2016, racking up career highs in tackles (71) and sacks (7). Entering a contract year, Hicks should be extremely focused to produce and earn a big paycheck. Defensive ends on a 3-13 team don’t usually receive much attention, and that’s exactly what happened to Hicks last season. However, Hicks graded as the NFL’s 15th best defensive end according to Pro Football Focus Edge in 2016, and at just 27 years old, his best days are surely ahead of him.

Hicks is one of the true building blocks on the team, and his play is only going to rise. If the Bears can add another two or three wins to their 2016 total, Hicks should start getting the attention he rightfully deserves. It would be more surprising to see Hicks not make the Pro Bowl than make it.

Kyle Long

The three-time Pro Bowler was constantly banged-up last year. Long made the Pro Bowl his first three seasons, so he surely can make it again. Even though he’s a guard, Long is one of the faces of the franchise and perhaps the most popular player on the team. Long and Josh Sitton are switching positions in 2017, with Sitton moving to right guard and Long handling left guard. It might be the first step in Long making the switch to left tackle, the premier offensive line position.

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Regardless of what position he plays, Long looks like a sure-fire Pro Bowler. With the fan vote counting so much, Long should have no trouble making the Pro Bowl again — assuming he can stay healthy.