Chicago Bears: Final 53-man roster prediction after training camp

Defensive Line (6)

Starters: Akiem Hicks, Bilal Nichols, Roy Robertson-Harris
Backups: John Jenkins, Abdullah Anderson, Brent Urban
Practice Squad: Trevon McSwain

The defensive line and the defense as a whole received a big blow last season when Hicks went down with an elbow injury. He was the heart and soul of the defense and his absence affected a few players.

This season Hicks is healthy again but the line received another blow. Nose tackle Eddie Goldman opted out of the 2020 season over fears arising from the COVID-19 virus.

Instead of finding a free agent still available, the Bears decided to stay in-house. They turned to Bilal Nichols. Ironically, Nichols bulked up to improve his strength and pass-rushing. Now, he gets a chance to show his added strength in the middle. Goldman was essential in stopping the run, and that will be Nichols’ main job. With his pass rush abilities, though, he can be an added asset in harassing the quarterback.

With Nichols moving over, that means Robertson-Harris takes over at defensive end. In a limited role, he’s done a good job of rushing the passer. He has 7.5 sacks and 65 tackles in 44 games (only seven starts). Now we’ll see if he can do the same as a full-time starter.

A healthy Hicks is ready to wreak havoc again. He does a great job of not just getting to the quarterback but also forcing running backs to go back inside where they run into traffic. His presence really helps the defense.

Urban and Anderson will back up the ends and Jenkins will back up Nichols.