Chicago Bears: Bilal Nichols could be big help for defense

While many focused on the Chicago Bears’ picks in the first two rounds of the draft, the selection of Bilal Nichols later in the draft may be a big help along the defensive line.

The Chicago Bears got rave reviews for their first two picks in the 2018 NFL Draft. They selected one of the top defenders in the draft in linebacker Roquan Smith. He’s sure to make a big impact on the defense from Day 1. In the second round, the Bears selected two potential starters — center/guard James Daniels and wide receiver Anthony Miller.

Those three early picks certainly brought some hope and excitement to Bears fans. One is a defensive stud and the other two help quarterback Mitchell Trubisky become a star.

A big move, however, happened in the fifth round.

More from Chicago Bears

• Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus speaks on a number of team issues
• Roschon Johnson showing he can be Chicago Bears RB1
• Lingering free agent could be an absolute godsend for Chicago Bears
• Chicago Bears: Should Tyson Bagent be the backup quarterback?
• Chicago Bears: 3 replacements if Justin Fields isn’t the answer

The Bears selected defensive lineman Bilal Nichols. The 6-4, 306-pound Nichols could be a key in helping the defensive line be a big force.

Nichols is an athletic lineman who can play at end or inside. Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris are fighting for the starting defensive end spot. Whoever loses is the backup. Nichols, though, can help all along the line.

Akiem HIcks had a great season last year but wore down in the final month or so. He faced a lot of double teams and spent a lot of time on the field because of depth problems. Now, Nichols can step in and spell Hicks so he can stay fresh. Additionally, nose tackle Eddie Goldman, while playing well on the field, had some injuries over his career. Nichols, being able to play on the inside, can spell him as well.

Bears general manager Ryan Pace feels Nichols can be a force.

"For his size, he’s athletic,” general manager Ryan Pace said. “The toughness and rugged style he plays with stands out. … We just feel he has a lot of upside, specifically as an inside rusher, which we value."

Nichols is a hard worker who worked his way up in Delaware. He proved himself there and he proved himself enough to move up in the draft a bit. Now he gets a chance to become another diamond in the rough that Pace loves to recruit in the draft.

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Biggest steals for each team

While Nichols is a pick in the later rounds, he can come in and get a good amount of playing time even though he won’t start. If he can do that, Hicks and Goldman can stay strong throughout the season and wreak havoc on opposing offenses continuously.