One of the quiet problems the Chicago Bears defense had going into the draft was their defensive line. Yes they have Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman. That’s great. However, it’s easy to forget that how big the loss of veteran Mitch Unrein was. His presence was a welcome stability. Now that he’s gone, the Bears aren’t sure who that other starter will be.
While 2018 might be a bit soon, the fact is Bilal Nichols is somebody to get to know quickly. The 6’4″, 306-lbs defensive tackle from Delaware may not have played against premier competition but he consistently flashed dominant traits. The types of traits that can become starter-worthy with a little cleaning up. Vic Fangio is great with linemen, so it makes sense the Bears would target his young man.
Nichols is a 6'4", 306-pounder who had 10.5 sacks as a full-time starter over his final two seasons at Delaware. He looks like another nice piece for Vic Fangio's defense. Certainly an upgrade over Mitch Unrein at DL. #Bears #NFLDraft
— Jake Perper (@BearsBacker) April 28, 2018
With the #145 pick in the 2018 #NFLDraft, we select… Bilal Nichols, DL, Delaware.
Welcome to Chicago, @_BNichols92! 🐻⬇️ #BearsDraft pic.twitter.com/H8kh29tMCV
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 28, 2018
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Delaware's Bilal Nichols defeats this double team block with excellent leverage and active hands, but he must finish these tackles with more consistency. It was a negative trend against JMU. pic.twitter.com/08yr5Q3Tv5
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) February 19, 2018
Bilal Nichols will help the Bears defense rotate linemen
A lot of people will be furious with this pick. Not because it’s bad or anything. More because the Bears passed up another opportunity to secure an edge rusher. There’s no doubt that’s a big position of need, but it can’t have any bearing on the player taken here. Nichols is a small school guy but he plays like a big fish in a small pond. He was double teamed regularly every week and still managed 5.5 sacks in 2017.
That’s in addition to his often dominant play against the run. There are holes in his game of course. There always are with later round picks. His technique isn’t perfect and he needs to maintain better discipline at times. That said, his relentless drive, good size and violent hands are all traits that tend to serve defensive linemen well at the next level.
Having Hicks and Goldman there to show him the way will be an additional blessing. Expect him to be a steady reserve as a rookie with upside to eventually start.
