With Mitch Unrein’s departure, Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris could be key factors for the Chicago Bears defense in 2018.
When Mitch Unrein signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first week of free agency, Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris were thrusted into the spotlight for the Chicago Bears. Both players are now (tied) atop the depth chart for the other 3-4 defensive end spot opposite Pro Bowler Akiem Hicks. Bullard and Robertson-Harris have each had their moments and flashed potential, but it’s yet to be seen if they can develop into consistent starters for 16 games.
Unrein was not a flashy player by any means, but he was dependable defensive end who had earned the trust of Vic Fangio. Unrein was great against the run and was able to control two gaps. He kept his linebackers clean and free to run and make plays. Unrein wasn’t mistaken for a Pro Bowler on the field, but he was rarely out of position and was a key cog in the team’s top-10 defense in 2017.
His departure opens-up a huge opportunity for both Bullard and Robertson-Harris. Bullard, a third-round pick in 2016, has a tremendous first-step and outstanding quickness. The thought heading into last season was that his role would greatly expand, but that was not the case. He did play more down the stretch (when Unrein was hurt), but unfortunately, he didn’t do much with this opportunity.
Robertson-Harris was an undrafted free agent in 2016 who did not see the field until last season. He has freakish size (6-7) for a defensive end, and actually saw some time in a two-point stance last year. He flashed with two sacks and a forced fumble in 13 games in 2017, but consistency was still an issue.
The Bears aren’t likely to draft a defensive end who is starter-worthy this month, so they’ll head into training camp with the two young players sitting atop the depth chart. Consistency is the key and having Vic Fangio return as defensive coordinator should hopefully help both players continue to grow.
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Bullard and Robertson-Harris have a ton of potential, but very few players in the NFL actually fulfill their potential. This is a critical offseason for both and their development could go a long way in determining how much better the Bears defense can be in 2018.