NFL Preseason 2018: 6 Unsung rookies dominating thus far

3. Bilal Nichols, DL, Chicago Bears 

Delaware University has had only four players drafted over the last decade, including 2018 fifth-round pick Bilal Nicholas. At 6-4, 306 pounds, Nichols proved at the Combine he was the total package. He ran a 4.9-second 40 and benched 225 pounds 29 times. Nichols was a machine at Delaware, he broke up passes (four), blocked a kick had 6.5 tackles for loss and finished his senior season with 56 tackles and 5.5 sacks. So far, the NFL hasn’t proven to be any different for Nichols.

Since entering the NFL, he continued to dominate. In three games he’s totaled nine tackles and two sacks in Vic Fangio’s scheme. More specifically, he’s displayed an array of pass rush moves that allowed him to make impact plays from the 3-4 defensive end spot. There’s no doubt that his elite pass rush moves will earn him a role in the rotation. Nichols’ size and athleticism makes him a great fit as an upfield rusher on special packages. Fangio is starting to find his grove with the Bears and Nichols could be a big part of it.

The Bears are in a division where getting to the quarterback is more important than stopping the run. They face teams that will throw the ball more often than not. Each opposing quarterback has thrown for over 4,000-yards consistently with the addition of Kirk Cousins. Of course, they are in a division with arguably the greatest quarterback in the league, Aaron Rodgers, and Matt Stafford, who can throw for 5,000 yards per season if he feels like it.

If Nichols continues to improve and refine his game, he could give the Bears a solid pass rusher option opposite Pro Bowler Akiem Hicks.