Bears 2022 training camp preview: Safeties

Chicago Bears training camp is less than a month away, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest.

The backend of the Bears defense was a complete liability at times during the 2021 season. But just like the cornerbacks, the safety position is going to look quite different when the Bears get underway in week one. Players like Eddie Jackson and DeAndre Houston-Carson are still around, but the rest of of the safeties are basically brand new. How will the newcomers affect the position group as a whole?

Here is our preview of the Bears safeties.

Eddie Jackson

Jan 2, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety Deon Bush (26) and free safety Eddie Jackson (4) reacts after a play against the New York Giants during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Once thought of as a superstar safety, Jackson is now seen as a stark reminder of the Ryan Pace era. He’s an overpaid ball-hawking defender who hasn’t picked off a pass in two years. Jackson did end up surviving the Ryan Poles purge earlier this offseason, however, and is looking to start fresh with Matt Eberflus. Now in a new system with new teammates, can Jackson play like his 2017-2018 self?

Jackson will continue to be the team’s starting free safety but is likely on a short leash with the new coaching staff. Anything he can give the Bears is a bonus at this point after he’s fallen back to earth in the last couple of seasons.

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Jaquan Brisker

Chicago Bears defensive specialist Jaquan Brisker smiles as he speaks at a news conference during the NFL football team’s rookie minicamp at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill., Friday, May 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The Bears addressed their strong safety position in a big way during the 2022 NFL Draft when they selected Jaquan Brisker out of Penn State in the second round. Brisker was a dynamic playmaker for the Nittany Lions and gave fits to opposing Big Ten offenses throughout his collegiate career. He’s a disciplined player with a knack for being at the right place at the right time.

The addition of Brisker to the secondary not only helps out the Bears defense, but also Jackson in particular. He was at his best when playing with a true strong safety. Brisker gives him that type of player, meaning the rookie’s impact will have a ripple effect in a positive way. As long as his contract gets worked out in a timely fashion, Brisker is the heavy favorite to start at strong safety.

DeAndre Houston-Carson

Chicago Bears safety DeAndre Houston-Carson (36) reacts during an NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Nov 21. 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)

Ever since he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, DeAndre Houston-Carson has worked his way up the Bears depth chart and now is a core special teams player and a solid backup option at the free safety position. Houston-Carson returned to the Bears on a one-year deal this offseason and should see some time in the secondary. But his true value will come on special teams, as he’ll be counted on to lead the third phase of the team. He’s securely on the roster heading into camp.

Dane Cruikshank

Sep 26, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Titans defensive back Dane Cruikshank (29) after a win against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

While Houston-Carson is the backup free safety, new acquisition Dane Cruikshank will likely be the reserve strong safety. Cruikshank signed as a free agent this offseason, coming over from the Tennessee Titans. He has a knack for neutralizing opposing tight ends and will likely step into the role former Bear Deon Bush used to occupy before he left via free agency.

Even with Brisker likely getting the starting spot, Cruikshank will see plenty of snaps in various coverages. He can play a pseudo linebacker position and should be a valuable asset in the secondary.

Elijah Hicks

California safety Elijah Hicks, left, breaks up a pass for UCLA wide receiver Chase Cota during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)

The Bears invested heavily at the top of the draft at safety with Brisker, but also potentially got a steal in the seventh round at the position as well. Elijah Hicks was one of the final draft picks made by general manager Ryan Poles and could prove to be a steal. Hicks was drafted out of Cal where he made a living flying to the ball and creating turnovers. His tracking ability is superb and he fits what the new coaching staff wants to do in Chicago.

Hicks isn’t a lock to make the team, but his versatility and willingness to play wherever the Bears need him could be a deciding factor in keeping him on the roster.

Michael Joseph

Jul 29, 2021; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Michael Joseph (30) walks on the field during a Chicago Bears training camp session at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

After spending years on the practice squad, veteran Michael Joseph finally made it into a professional football game last season against the Minnesota Vikings. Joseph has been a camp staple since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2018, but until last season, had spent very little time on the active roster. Once again, his chances of making the team are slim but he could still stick on the practice squad, especially now that the rosters have expanded.

Jon Alexander

Jun 8, 2022; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jon Alexander (16) chats with defensive back DeAndre Houston-Carson (36) during organized team activities at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Alexander was signed as an undrafted free agent and was well traveled throughout his collegiate career. He played in junior college and Kansas State before finishing at North Carolina – Charlotte. Alexander was productive his final season, but faces long odds to make the Bears roster.

Jaylon Jones

Jun 14, 2022; Lake Forest, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Jones (35) warms up during minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Jaylon Jones had a decorated career at Ole Miss but missed time due to season-ending injuries. He still played his entire last season in college, however and will look to stand out in a crowded secondary, but he’s likely just a camp player.

A.J. Thomas

Sep 4, 2021; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) is tackled by Western Michigan Broncos linebacker A.J. Thomas (6) first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Thomas has played all over the field in college, starting games at linebacker, safety, and linebacker. He’s listed as a safety but could be a position-less player in the NFL. He’s not expected to make the roster, but could be someone to watch on the practice squad.

Big question: Is Brisker the key to Jackson's success?

Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions safety Jaquan Brisker (1) looks on prior to the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Brisker is a popular pick to be an impactful player for the Bears right out of the gate. He’s instinctive and swarms the football, which has already been shown in the offseason practices. But can Brisker not only elevate the strong safety position, but the free safety spot as well with Jackson?

One of the lingering issues for Jackson has been the lack of a solid and traditional strong safety playing next to him. During his first couple years in the league, he had that with veteran Adrian Amos. The two worked well together from 2017-2018, but when Amos left in free agency, the Bears failed to find a proper replacement and Jackson’s play suffered.

With all due respect to Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Tashaun Gipson, Brisker is the first player since Amos who can step into that role and allow Jackson to play over the top again. Jackson’s issues are more than just playing out of position, but Brisker could be the key to the veteran safety regaining his form.

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