It's going to be a tough season for the Chicago Bears as the team is in the middle of making major changes. Even so, they have some exciting young prospects and should continue developing their game. For that reason, some unsuspecting players should step up and make some noise throughout the year. With that in mind, we look at two hidden gems on the Bears' 2022 roster.

The front office spent much of its attention on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. Chicago is still a few key pieces away from having a legitimate defense, but they have some great players on the roster. One safety stands out as a hidden gem for the Bears, which could bring a major boost to the secondary.

Chicago has a problem at wide receiver as they lack the weapons necessary to be a real threat in the passing game. Darnell Mooney will serve as the top pass option, but other than him, there aren't many exciting options for Justin Fields to throw to. However, one tight end could be in store for a breakout season and prove himself as a legitimate contributor to the Bears' offense.

With that said, here are two hidden gems on the Bears' roster for the 2022 season.

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Bears Hidden Gems On 2022 Roster

Dane Cruickshank

After spending the first portion of his career with the Tennessee Titans, Dane Cruickshank finds himself in Chicago with a unique opportunity ahead. He excelled on special teams during his tenure in Tennessee and subbed in as a safety periodically. However, where Cruickshank thrived was lining up against tight ends, making him a perfect backup option for the Bears.

Dane Cruickshank routinely guarded opposing tight ends throughout his tenure with the Titans and was so good at it, that it became his main job for the defense. He shut down notable names like Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Mark Andrews, making Cruickshank a tight-end specialist. For that reason, he must be considered a hidden gem for the Bears in the 2022 season.

We should be seeing Chicago use him often in specific defensive formations. Especially against teams who have superstar tight ends on the roster. Either way, Dane Cruickshank is going to play a unique role for the Bears which will only improve the pass coverage.

Cole Kmet

Many are hopeful for Cole Kmet to finally break out of his shell and become a reliable pass option for Justin Fields. He's flashed periodically, especially once Fields got under center. Now, Kmet is in line to be the starting tight end for the Bears and could be in for a massive breakout season.

With the wide receiver core being one of the worst in the league, Cole Kmet has an opportunity to become the second pass option behind Darnell Mooney. If he can manage that, then the Bears will be much better than perceived. Justin Fields will have two strong targets in the passing game coupled with what should be a high-quality rushing attack.

We'll see how it plays out, but the Bears could really use a breakout season from Kmet. After spending the first two seasons of his career learning and developing, Chicago has finally given him the reigns to be the starting tight end. Look for Fields to target Kmet often, which gives him the potential of becoming a major factor in this offense.