Chicago Bears: Five biggest X-Factors for the 2017 season

5. Eddie Jackson

How long have the Chicago Bears been waiting for a competent free safety? Probably about 11 years or so. That’s how long it was since Mike Brown actually played more than a handful of games in a season for the Bears.

Though he’s just starting out in Chicago, Eddie Jackson might finally be the answer the Bears have been searching for.Eddie Jackson might finally be the answer the Bears have been searching for.

His instincts and knowledge of the game, especially for a young player, have consistently impressed John Fox. And he has continually shown up in practice, flashing time after time with his awareness and ball skills.

And he’s also made sure to throw his body around as a tackler as well.

Jackson is getting first-team reps at safety at practice and split time with Adrian Amos with the first team defense against the Cardinals. When Bruce Arians and Carson Palmer decided to test him, he made a touchdown-saving pass breakup. He also contributed a 16-yard punt return that led to a touchdown.

I had high hopes for him after the draft, and it appears as if he’s making that look like a strong bet. So far, he has remained healthy, and he’s on the cusp of breaking camp as the starter at free safety.

If he simply shows more range and ability to defend the pass than his predecessors have, that will already boost the Bears defense significantly above last season’s level. Then, let Jackson get his hands on a few balls and get into punt return mode, and things could get really exciting by the lake front.