Chicago Bears Should Make a Play for Free Agent Defensive Tackle Johnathan Hankins
Free agent defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins would be a nice target for Ryan Pace and the Chicago Bears.
Overall, I like what the Chicago Bears have done in free agency this off season. They have done a nice job of finding high-value under-the-radar players on the mid-tier level. In particular, I really like the signings of cornerback Marcus Cooper and Kendall Wright. Even the Mike Glennon deal is not as bad as we originally thought it would be.
That being said, for the most part, it has been an underwhelming free agency period for Ryan Pace and company. The Bears entered the off season with a ton of cap space to make many significant moves. They were in on top-tier guys like Stephon Gilmore and Ricky Wagner, but they never pulled the trigger.
Not spending huge in free agency likely means that the Bears are looking to build this team through the draft. Overspending in free agency is typically a loser’s game, so I like Bears looking to build through the draft. However, if they still want to make a splash, free agent defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins would be a strong addition.
Hankins does not turn 25-years-old until late March and he has an extremely well-rounded skill set up front. He is listed at 6-2, 320 pounds and he uses his size and strength well to dominate against the run. Hankins is a premier run defender who can two-gap in the middle of the defense and also has the burst to make plays in the backfield.
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Speaking of that, Hankins does have some ability as an interior pass rusher. He is quick off of the snap and is extremely athletic for a 320-pound man. Hankins moves well for his size and when it is paired with his incredible raw power, he can be a devastating inside rusher.
Putting Hankins up front with Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman would give the Bears an extremely talented trio of players on the defensive line. Hankins’ power and length would theoretically play well as a five-tech in the Bears’ 3-4 defense and he would undoubtedly be a strong compliment to Hicks as an interior rusher on obvious passing downs.
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Hankins is an obvious fit and he has a ton of long-term value being so young. The only real question here is the price. I would hate to see the Bears blow the budget on Hankins, but if he is asking for a reasonable two-or-three year deal, the Chicago Bears should be all over it.