Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears: 5 Players headed for breakout seasons in 2017

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 2:17 a.m. ET

Fansided, Gil Alcaraz IV/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Kevin White Chicago Bears

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

If the Chicago Bears are going to improve on their miserable 2016 campaign, they'll need these five players to enjoy breakout 2017 seasons.

Unfortunately for the Chicago Bears, it could be another long season in 2017. The franchise is coming off a disappointing campaign that saw them finish 3-13, and chances are the results won't be too much different this upcoming season.

That, however, doesn't mean there won't be some intriguing storylines to follow as this Bears squad hopes to take strides in 2017. They made several moves during free agency, but had to overspend for average talent in few cases. Their haul during the 2017 NFL Draft was also lackluster, leading to some speculating on general manager Ryan Pace's pending ousting.

For now, let's remain optimistic about Chicago's 2017 outlook. As a result of said optimism, I've decided to take a look at a few players who could break out this season. For one reason or another, these Bears seem destined to shine due to their upside, talent and opportunities on this roster.

So without further ado, here are five Bears I'm predicting will enjoy breakout seasons in 2017. Most are youngsters with a significant amount of upside, but don't be surprised to see some more established players finally get the recognition they deserve in the coming months.

Cody Whitehair Chicago Bears

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5. Cody Whitehair, C

By some accounts, Cody Whitehair already had his breakout season. However, unless you're Ezekiel Elliott, I tend to stray away from the idea of rookies breaking out. That's why the 2016 second-round pick finds himself on this list.

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Put simply, Whitehair was outstanding during his first year in the NFL. Just ask Pro Football Focus, which graded him as the league's sixth-best center (and third-best rookie) for his efforts in 2016. Chances are it's only going to get better for the Bears' young offensive lineman during his sophomore season.

What makes Whitehair so outstanding is his leadership skills and football IQ. He's a tremendous anchor for the Chicago front five, whether he's paving lanes in the running game or protecting the quarterback. I'm sure having the veteran talents of Josh Sitton and Kyle Long on his hips will certainly help his development as well.

Either way, look for big things from Whitehair in 2017. Based on what we saw from him as a rookie, there's a very good chance he'll emerge as one of the top centers in the league before all is said and done. It's a great sign for the future of the Chicago offensive line.

Eddie Goldman Chicago Bears

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4. Eddie Goldman, DT

Two years ago, Eddie Goldman shined as a rookie, quickly earning snaps at nose tackle and never looking back. Heading into 2016, it appeared he was headed for a breakout sophomore season. Then, a high-ankle sprain derailed the year and forced him to miss all but six games.

Now healthy, Goldman seems primed for a huge 2017 season that should see him flourish as the Bears' defensive anchor. What's better is the type of pass rushing prowess he brings for a Chicago defense that must improve in terms of getting after the quarterback.

Despite seeing limited time due to the injury, Goldman notched 2.5 sacks in 2016 after amassing 4.5 as a rookie. With his ankle healed and another offseason under his belt, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Florida State product emerge as one of the better interior pass rushers in the NFL.

Especially with the way Mitch Unrein underwhelmed in 2016, the return of Goldman could mean big things for this Bears defense. He gobbles up blockers on the inside, allowing his teammates more one-on-one opportunities when rushing the passer. Plus, he's not too shabby as a run defender either.

Before the 2017 campaign is over, Goldman will be very close to "household name" status.

Kevin White Chicago Bears

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3. Kevin White, WR

I mean, it has to happen eventually, right?

Since the Bears spent their 2015 first-round pick on Kevin White, he's done little more than disappoint. He can't seem to stay healthy, having played in only four games during his two seasons in the Windy City.

To make matters worse, there have been mixed reports this offseason about his progress. One week, the Bears are claiming he looks healthy. The next week, the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer goes as far as saying his progress is a "mystery." It's anyone's guess where he is at this point in the offseason.

Still, for Chicago's sake, I'm going to be optimistic and say he gets healthy and stays there. The Bears desperately need playmakers at wide receiver following the departure of Alshon Jeffery via free agency. Plus, it's not like players such as Markus Wheaton or Kendall Wright can be counted on to consistently produce.

So here I am, predicting that White will finally live up to his potential. I believed he'd be a star coming out of West Virginia, and am confident his leg is the only thing keeping that from happening. Once he gets his health in order, White will finally pay dividends for the Bears.

Nick Kwiatkoski Chicago Bears

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2. Nick Kwiatkoski, ILB

Last offseason, the Bears spent a lot of money making upgrades at inside linebacker. Both Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan were signed to help fix this ailing defense. While they both played well in their first years in Chicago, neither could stay on the field for the entire season.

Freeman missed four games due to suspension, and Trevathan battled various injuries throughout the year before a ruptured patellar tendon ended his season. It was an obvious crutch for the Bears defense, but it allowed 2016 fourth-round pick Nick Kwiatkoski to see significant snaps as the season wound down.

Although he wasn't a star, Kwiatkoski showed legitimate starting potential, a shock to many. He played well against the run, and even flashed some pass-rushing ability. His skills in coverage are a major work in progress, but the overall package was something the Bears had to be intrigued by with what they saw during his 458 defensive snaps.

The West Virginia product displays tremendous instincts and awareness from the linebacker position. He may be a bit lacking in the athleticism department, but he makes up for it with intelligent play and a relentless motor. Chicago will find a way to get him on the field and allow him to enjoy a breakout sophomore year.

Mike Glennon Chicago Bears

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1. Mike Glennon, QB

I know it seems strange saying that a 27-year old quarterback is headed for a breakout season. However, during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mike Glennon was never given the opportunity to be "the man." The Bears are giving him that opportunity.

Chicago went out and signed Glennon to a major contract this offseason. Although they also traded up and spent the No. 2 overall pick in April on rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, the veteran should be given every opportunity to earn that $16 million annually.

In Tampa Bay, he was treated as little more than a stop-gap — that shouldn't the case in the Windy City.

While I don't know if Glennon was worth what the Bears paid for him, I'm confident he'll shine in 2017. He's never truly been treated as an unquestioned starter, with the Buccaneers always seemingly looking for his replacement. When Jameis Winston was brought aboard, his fate was essentially cemented — at least in Tampa Bay.

Now in Chicago, though, he'll get an opportunity to be the star of the show. I believe he's got enough poise, arm talent and leadership skills to get the job done. Maybe having the rookie nipping at his heels will give Glennon enough motivation to make the Bears regret drafting Trubisky.