Chicago Bears: 5 Players with most to prove in training camp

3. DE Jonathan Bullard

When the Chicago Bears drafted Jonathan Bullard out of Florida in 2016, they had high hopes in him. They thought he’d be a great complement to Akiem Hicks. So far, however, it hasn’t worked. In 46 games with the Bears, he recorded 62 tackles (nine for loss) and just two sacks (none last season).

He battled converted linebacker Roy Robertson-Harris for the defensive end spot last season. Even though it looked like Robertson-Harris played well enough to be the starter, Bullard won the job. He could not outplay Robertson-Harris, though. Robertson-Harris had more sacks last season (three) than Bullard has in his career. He also has more than double the number of sacks than Bullard (five compared to two).

This season, there is a third man in the picture. Bilal Nichols ended up outplaying both Robertson-Harris and Bullard last season. Nichols ended up starting six regular season games, including the final three.

Nichols, who started out as Hicks’ backup, is now considered the starter opposite of Hicks now. The best Bullard can see right now is a backup to Nichols (while Robertson-Harris backs up Hicks). That isn’t a given, however. Nicholas Williams could give Bullard a challenge. He is a four-year pro who can also play on the inside and should Bullard just try to skate by there could be a surprise here.

Bullard can bring something through a trade. The Bears could receive a draft pick and they need some picks. It’s been three seasons and it may be time to cut losses and move on.