Chicago Bears: 5 Bold predictions for the 2020 season

3. Chicago Bears rookies will perform well

Pace has had some ups and downs with his draft picks. He’s found some good players in the later rounds with players such as Eddie Jackson, Adrian Amos, Nick Kwiatkoski and Bilal Nichols are just a few of the late-round pickups that have had success. However, he has players like Floyd, Kevin White, and Adam Shaheen who didn’t pan out. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky might also be added to that list if he doesn’t break out in 2020.

This year’s crop of draft picks could be Pace’s best. Kmet, Jaylon Johnson, Darnell Mooney, and Trevis Gipson could all contribute a bit in 2020. Kmet, Johnson, and Mooney could contribute a lot.

As I mentioned earlier, Kmet will make an impact this season. He won’t be a complete star coming out of the gate, but with Graham’s mentoring him he’ll quickly adjust to the NFL.

Johnson is a first-round talent who dropped to the second round because of concerns over his shoulder. He seems to be over his shoulder surgery and had a terrific camp, especially after Artie Burns, who was slated to be the starter, went down with a torn ACL in his knee. He saw more snaps and impressed the coaches. He will be one of the top rookie defenders in the league this season.

Mooney will have an impact on the offense. He is the speedy receiver the Bears haven’t had since Johnny Knox. He could have a similar rookie season that Anthony MIller had in 2018. His speed will extend defenses, giving receivers underneath more room to operate. He’ll make deep catches and turn short passes into big yards. Whoever is the quarterback will turn to him for the big plays.

Gipson will be in on sub-packages. He’s still a little raw but he has the tools to be a very good player. Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano likely utilizes him as a designated pass rusher. He’s shown that he is already good at that. Once he gets more well rounded he’ll dominate.

This rookie class will make a big impact on the Bears in 2020. If the team wants to return to the playoffs, the youngsters will help get it done.

Prediction: Johnson finishes with three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. Gipson finishes with four sacks. Mooney finishes with 43 catches for 602 yards and 5 touchdowns.