Windy City Gridiron
In this miniseries, we’ll look at several Chicago Bears who are making a solid case for the Pro Bowl.
The Player: Kevin Byard III was a third-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2016 NFL Draft. Born in Philadelphia, the 5’11” safety has played for three teams in his 10-year career, and he has already made the Pro Bowl twice before (in addition to being a first-team All-Pro both of those times as well). He leads his draft class in career interceptions at 35. He was signed in March of 2024 to a two-year deal with the Chicago Bears.
The Case For Him: He is currently leading the NFL in interceptions (6) and is in the top 10 for interception return yards. Only two safeties in the NFC have defended more passes than him, and all five safeties ahead of him in that category together have only half as many interceptions. He’s also been an ironman, playing 100% of defensive snaps for a team that’s otherwise been devastated by injury in the secondary.
The Case Against Him: He has yet to return an interception for a touchdown? That’s about the only possible strike against him, as he’s been an anchor on a defense that has been thriving on turnovers.
Rebuttal: Byard might not have scored a touchdown, but three of his interceptions led to scores and another in the endzone sealed a game.
Vote for Byard here, and while you’re there check out the other Bears who lead in their position groups (voting rank per Tom Pelissero in parenthesis):
Defensive Line: Defensive End-Montez Sweat (#8)
Defensive Back: Free Safety-Kevin Byard (#1), Cornerback-Nahshon Wright (#2), Strong Safety-Jaquan Brisker (#9)
Offensive Line: Guard-Joe Thuney (#1), Center-Drew Dalman (#2), Tackle-Darnell Wright (#4), and Guard-Jonah Jackson (#7)
Skills Players: Quarterback-Caleb Williams (#7), Tight End-Colston Loveland (#8), Wide Receiver-Rome Odunze (#10), Running Back-D’Andre Swift (#10)
Special Teams Players: Special Team Player-Josh Blackwell (#3), Long Snapper-Scott Daly (#3), Returner-Devin Duvernay (#4), Punter-Tory Taylor (#8)
