Which second-year Bears player will make the biggest impact in 2024? (2024)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 31: Gervon Dexter Sr. #99 of the Chicago Bears celebrates after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on December 31, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Honestly, there are three players who could’ve had my vote here, which speaks volumes to the 2023 draft class and their potential to be long-term contributors. Both right tackle Darnell Wright and cornerback Tyrique Stevenson should take a big step this season, but defensive tackle Gervon Dexter will be under the most pressure to succeed in Year 2 — and I believe he’ll rise to the challenge. With Justin Jones now in Arizona and the Bears not making a move to add a three-technique this offseason, Dexter is now the guy.

While Dexter had just nine pressures in the first eight games last season, he more than doubled that total in the final nine games (20). Dexter was at his best as an interior pass rusher, where he amassed 2.5 sacks, 29 pressures and 12 QB hits in a rotational role. Now, he figures to step into a starter role.

Listening to Pro Bowler Montez Sweat, among other teammates, talk about Dexter’s potential — and teasing a breakout season — speaks volumes. Dexter has also lofty expectations for himself in Year 2: 8-plus sacks, 15-plus tackles for loss, as well as All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods. If Dexter even hits half of those goals, this Chicago defense will emerge as a top unit in the league.

Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) in the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-710597 ORIG FILE ID: 20231022_mcd_ad4_54.JPG

Credit to Ryan Poles for drafting impactful players back in 2023, because this is a tough question. Ideally, if Gervon Dexter can make the biggest impact, it could be the key to unlocking the Bears defense. But Darnell Wright is going to take the biggest step of the 2023 draft class and solidify the offensive line in 2024.

Wright did something last year that no Bears first-round rookie offensive tackle has done in a long time, and that’s play in every single game. He did surrender six sacks and commit 11 penalties, but those are expected growing pains for a rookie offensive lineman. He still did a solid job of holding down the right side of the line, and that’s going to be crucial once again this year. This time, though, he has the experience to fall back on.

With question marks surrounding center and now possibly right guard due to Nate Davis’ continued absence, Wright will need to be a stable member of the offensive line. Especially with a rookie quarterback under center. Wright has the technique and build to be a franchise tackle in the NFL. He’s on his way there, and we’re going to see why this upcoming season.

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) blocks against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Wright’s impressive rookie campaign has set the stage for the right tackle to take his game to the next level in 2024. He more than lived up to his first round status last year, holding his own and even getting the better of several proven pass-rushers. His play allowed the offense to work through their early season setbacks and evolve into a unit that opposing defenses had to respect in the latter half of the year.

There will be growing pains for the offense this year as well: the squad has a fresh face at quarterback, rookie QB Caleb WIlliams, and there are a handful of newcomers who will require time to adjust. The veterans will need to keep things afloat while the offense undergoes this transitional period, and Wright will play a major role in that phase.

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 07: Darnell Wright #58 of the Chicago Bears looks on during OTA’s at Halas Hall on June 07, 2023 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775981496 ORIG FILE ID: 1496730505

Darnell Wright was one of the league’s top rookie lineman in 2023. It won’t be long before he is considered to be one of the best overall. Most outlets already consider him a top 32 tackle regardless of side.

In year number two of his NFL career, the team he plays for is expecting to win. They also have a rookie QB that they need to protect so the offensive line is as important as ever. Wright will be one of the catalysts as it is now another year better for him.

There are other good players on the line to help him. This isn’t the old Bears who have a terrible line again. It isn’t elite yet but Wright’s development could help them get to that status.

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) lines up on defense against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports