The Chicago Bears only had two Pro Bowl selections in 2020, and with Cordarrelle Patterson signing with the Atlanta Falcons, only Khalil Mack is left. There’s no need for panic in the Windy City, though, as the Bears have three players poised to take a step forward and make their first Pro Bowl in 2021.

David Montgomery

In his third season, Montgomery seems poised to become one of the top running backs in the game. He came on strong at the end of 2020 and finished tied for fifth in the league in rushing yards. If he keeps that pace up, he should have no problem making his first career Pro Bowl. Montgomery has also been seemingly underutilized as a receiver out of the backfield, so if the Bears can find ways to get him more involved in the aerial attack, it will only help his chances.

Darnell Mooney

The Bears’ offense was 27th in the league in yards per play in 2020. They have to get more explosive in 2021. One of the easiest ways to do that is to get the blazing fast Mooney involved early and often. Mooney showed the ability to burn defenders and take the top off the defense, but his quarterbacks failed to get him the ball consistently. With (hopefully) improved quarterback play this season, Mooney is in a position to become one of the league’s elite deep threats and earn himself a trip to the Pro Bowl.

Bilal Nichols

Nichols was playing out of position in 2020 and still had a career year. With Eddie Goldman returning after opting out last season, Nichols is able to slide back to his more natural position at defensive end. Double-digit sack numbers are not out of the question with Nichols. If he continues to improve rushing the passer and stays stout in the run game, 2021 should be the first of many Pro Bowl appearances for Nichols.