Chicago Bears: 5 Breakout candidates for the 2023 season

Jack Sanborn — Linebacker

Jack Sanborn had a frustrating draft in 2022. He expected to be at least a Day 3 pick but ended up not getting drafted at all. That might have ended up being a blessing in disguise.

Sanborn, a Lake Zurich native, was able to sign with his hometown team, the Chicago Bears. He faced an uphill battle to make the team, though.

Sanborn worked hard and opened a lot of eyes during training camp and preseason games. Then, when the Bears traded Roquan Smith, they tapped the rookie to be his replacement.

Sanborn did a great job in Smith’s place. He played 14 games in 2022 but made an impact in the six games he started after Smith’s departure. He recorded 59 tackles (5 for loss), 3 quarterback hits, and 2 sacks.

Sanborn was all over the field making plays before an injury shut his season down. Now healthy in 2023, he is ready to have a big season.

The Bears signed two of the top linebackers in the league last season, Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards. They will take over the middle and weakside linebackers, the spots that require a lot of athleticism.

That leaves the strong-side linebacker spot open. Sanborn will battle Noah Sewell for that spot but with his experience he should win that position. He could be a perfect fit on the strong side.

Sanborn showed that he is a tackling machine and he could make big plays on the strong side. He could take a big step in 2023 and have a breakout season.