Chicago Bears: Bilal Nichols can be a breakout player in 2019
The Chicago Bears did a good job in finding a player like Bilal Nichols in last year’s draft. He played better than most expected and could be a breakout star in 2019.
In his four years as Chicago Bears general manager, Ryan Pace has done a pretty good job in finding good players in the middle rounds of the draft. He drafted players like Jordan Howard (fifth round), Adrian Amos (fifth round), Tarik Cohen (fourth round), and Eddie Jackson (fourth round). He did another good job by drafting Bilal Nichols (fifth round) in last year’s draft.
Nichols was drafted to eventually add some depth along the defensive line. The thought was he’d get a few snaps in 2018 and then work in a rotation. From the start, however, he showed some abilities. He became Akiem Hicks’ primary backup. Eventually, the coaching staff knew they had to get him on the field more and he started games on the opposite side of Hicks.
Nichols played 328 snaps, fourth-most on the defensive line. He finished the season with 28 tackles (five for loss), three sacks, seven quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
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The two main players on the right defensive end spot in 2018 were Jonathan Bullard and Ro Robertson-Harris. Bullard had a disappointing season, registering 18 tackles and no sacks. He had just one quarterback hit. Robertson-Harris had a pretty good season. It was just his second season as a defensive lineman since bulking up and making the move from linebacker. He had 22 tackles, 3 sacks, and 11 quarterback hits.
Robertson-Harris is developing well but at this point of his progression he’s a dependable backup. He packed on 40 pounds so he could play defensive end. He retained his athleticism. He may be able to fight for a starting spot later as he develops even more. This offseason he becomes an exclusive rights free agent, meaning the Chicago Bears basically keep him if they want him. I expect the Bears to keep him.
Bullard, on the other hand, could be in trouble. He is signed through the 2019 season. The Bears had high hopes for him when they drafted him in the third round of the 2016 draft. He hasn’t lived up to expectations, so I expect the team to trade him. They can probably get him for a mid-round pick, Pace’s specialty.
That leaves Nichols to take over. The draft is deep on the defensive line so they’ll have plenty of choices, but they have other needs that are more pressing. They could pick someone up late to add depth, as they did with Nichols in 2018.
Nichols has the quickness and athleticism to get into the opponent’s backfield as his sacks and quarterback hits show. As he plays more he learns more about the position and his instincts become better. When that happens, he’ll be even better. With a season under his belt, Nichols is poised to have a breakout season. He impressed many people during his rookie campaign and is ready to build on his success.
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Having an effective player on the opposite side of Hicks is a tremendous help for the Bears. Having both of them gives edge rushers Khalil Mack and Leonard Floyd an easier path to the quarterback. Add Eddie Goldman and the Bears’ front three may be the best one in the league.