(10) A play-making rookie corner

Rookie second-round pick Jaylon Johnson has made an immediate impact as a Day 1 starter, displaying excellent ball skills. He's tied for fourth in the NFL with a team-high 13 pass breakups, two of which have resulted in interceptions by Bears teammates.

(9) A promising young receiver

Darnell Mooney has excelled as a rookie, emerging as a regular contributor on offense without having the benefit of any offseason practices or preseason games. The fifth-round draft pick has 33 receptions for 351 yards and three TDs.

(8) An All-Pro kickoff returner

Cordarrelle Patterson leads the NFL in kickoff returns with a 30.3-yard average. His 104-yard touchdown return last Monday night against the Vikings was the longest in Bears history and was the eighth TD of his career, tying an NFL record.

(7) A scoring threat on defense

Safety Eddie Jackson's 8-yard fumble return for a touchdown in a loss to the Rams was his sixth defensive TD in four seasons, tying for third in Bears history with Lance Briggs behind Charles Tillman (9) and Mike Brown (7).

(6) An irreplaceable force

After missing most of last season with an elbow injury, veteran tackle Akiem Hicks has returned this year as the heart and soul of the defense. A force against the run and the pass, Hicks remains one of the Bears' most valuable players.

(5) An ascending superstar

After two promising seasons to start his NFL career, inside linebacker Roquan Smith has taken another leap this year, performing like the Bears envisioned when they selected him with the eighth pick in the 2018 draft out of Georgia.

(4) A reliable kicker

After the forgettable Cody Parkey experience and an Eddy Piñeiro groin injury, Cairo Santos has solidified the kicking position by connecting on 17-of-19 field-goal attempts (89.5 percent) this year, including his last 14 straight.

(3) A dominant pass rusher

Perennial Pro Bowl outside linebacker Khalil Mack is a difference-maker who's under contract through the 2024 season. Mack leads the Bears with 6.5 sacks and has also recorded 11.5 tackles-for-loss, one interception and two forced fumbles.

(2) A true No. 1 receiver

Allen Robinson II has continued to produce, providing a bright spot on a struggling offense with his consistency and play-making ability. Robinson has caught 63 passes for 755 yards, ranking 11th in the NFL in both categories.

(1) A dominant defense

The Bears boast Pro Bowl performers at each level of their defense, a top-10 unit that's led by tackle Akiem Hicks, outside linebacker Khalil Mack, inside linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Kyle Fuller and safety Eddie Jackson.