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3 Bears Players Who Will Be Rookie of the Year Candidates in 2020

By Tyler Kemp

Bears tight end Cole Kmet during his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine
Bears tight end Cole Kmet during his press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine / Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Following an NFC North division title in 2018, head coach Matt Nagy and the Bears took a step back and finished 8-8 last season. Still feeling the effects of trading multiple first-round picks for Khalil Mack, Chicago had to make do with what was left, and as a result, there's a lack of truly big names out of the college ranks in Chicago’s newest draft class. Nonetheless, there are still guys that could win Rookie of the Year, starting with this trio.

3. WR Darnell Mooney

Darnell Mooney running a route during his time at Tulane
Darnell Mooney running a route during his time at Tulane / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

Mooney is undersized at 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds, but he makes up for it with his speed and athleticism. With a player like running back Tarik Cohen on the roster, Chicago’s offense has already proven it can work with smaller guys getting the ball out in space. Outside of Allen Robinson and free agent pickup Ted Ginn, whoever is throwing the ball in Chicago is going to need another outlet as a receiving threat.

2. TE Cole Kmet

Cole Kmet scoring a touchdown while at Notre Dame
Cole Kmet scoring a touchdown while at Notre Dame / Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Notre Dame's Cole Kmet was one of the best tight end prospects coming into of the 2020 draft. Whether it is Mitch Trubisky or Nick Foles starting at quarterback, they are going to need a safety valve who can work between the hashes and up the seams. After releasing oft-injured Trey Burton and not necessarily knowing what it will get in newly acquired Jimmy Graham, Kmet can make an immediate impact.

1. CB Jaylon Johnson

Jaylon Johnson catching an interception against Washington
Jaylon Johnson catching an interception against Washington / Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Utah's Jaylon Johnson was also a second-round pick alongside Kmet. With Kyle Fuller holding down one cornerback spot and Buster Skrine likely playing in the slot, Johnson can come in and work on the outside opposite Fuller. With solid size for a corner and working with defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, who has a secondary background, Johnson can develop quickly in Pagano’s scheme. If Johnson produces at a high level, he can contend for ROY.