Jaquan Brisker

Summary

Jaquan Brisker was selected in Round 2 (#48 Overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Penn State University. After beginning his college career at Lackawanna College, Brisker emerged as a leader and playmaker for the Nittany Lions, finishing his Penn State tenure with 123 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 interceptions, and 9 passes defended. He earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors (2021) and was recognized nationally for his physical, instinctive style of play. Since entering the NFL, Brisker has quickly established himself as a starting safety and emotional leader in Chicago’s secondary. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 250+ tackles, double-digit tackles for loss, multiple sacks, and forced turnovers, while playing significant snaps in both the box and deep safety roles. Brisker is widely regarded as a high-character, high-energy competitor, praised for his toughness, leadership, football intelligence, and willingness to set the tone physically on defense.

Strengths

• Physicality & Toughness: Violent, downhill defender who sets a tone as a hitter and run supporter. Shows excellent trigger downhill and consistently disrupts run fits and perimeter plays..

• Versatility: Effective in the box, as a robber, blitzer, or rotating safety. Diagnoses run/pass quickly and understands offensive tendencies.

• Blitz Ability: Times pressures well and is productive when attacking off the edge or through gaps.

• Closing Speed: Accelerates quickly to the ball and limits yards after contact. Strong wrap-up technique and reliable finisher in space.

Weaknesses

• Durability Concerns: Physical play style has led to missed time due to injuries.

• Deep Coverage Range: Adequate but not elite as a true single-high safety and is more disruptor than true ball hawk at the NFL level.

• Man Coverage vs. Speed: Can be stressed by fast slot receivers in space causing him to occasionally jump routes, opening windows behind him.

• Penalty Risk: Aggressive style can occasionally lead to late hits or flags.

Outlook

Brisker is best suited for aggressive, multiple defensive schemes that allow safeties to play downhill, disguise coverages, and impact the run game. He thrives in systems that utilize split-safety looks, quarters coverage, and safety blitz packages, where his instincts and physicality can be maximized without consistently asking him to patrol deep space alone. His presence near the line of scrimmage adds an extra defender to the box and helps dictate offensive behavior. Looking ahead, Brisker projects as a long-term NFL starter with tone-setting value if durability is managed properly. While he may never be a high-volume interception safety, his impact is felt through physicality, versatility, and leadership. With continued refinement in coverage discipline and health management, Brisker has the upside to remain a core defensive leader and high-end box safety who elevates the overall intensity and identity of a defense.