Predicting the Chicago Bears stars of the preseason
1. Jonathan Bullard, DL
A first-team All-SEC selection and third-team All-American in 2015, the Chicago Bears drafted defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard in the third round (72nd overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft. Bullard is a powerful defensive lineman who also shows a quick first step and solid overall athleticism.
He was a disruptive interior player at the University of Florida, shining for the Gators against the run and as an interior pass rusher. However, he was never able to make a significant impact for the Bears as a rookie.
Bullard is a bit of an odd fit for the Bears’ 3-4 defense. He always seemed to shine as more of a one-gap interior lineman who will knife through the line and make plays. There are opportunities to do that in the Bears’ defense, but Vic Fangio typically asks his defensive ends to play a two-gap role, plugging the holes and creating plays for their teammates to make. This does not play to Bullard’s strength as a player much.
That being said, Bullard’s combination of power and quickness is too impressive not to be effective. He may not be a perfect fit for their defense, but he can still be an extremely impactful player in certain situations. I look for Bullard ton particularly shine when the Bears go to a four-man front in obvious passing situations this season. This plays to his strengths extremely well as an interior rusher.
Reports out of training camp have been positive on Bullard. He seems to be making a lot of plays and figures to be heavily involved in the defensive line mix. The Bears have some nice depth up front but Bullard arguably has more upside than anybody besides Akiem Hicks on the defensive line. It is in their best interest to give Bullard an opportunity to shine.
Next: Bears players to watch in first preseason game
As a young player who disappointed as a rookie but could play an important role in 2017, I expect the Chicago Bears to want a good, long look at Bullard in the preseason. He will likely see a lot of defensive snaps and appears primed to make the most out of them. Jonathan Bullard will undoubtedly one of the most interesting defensive players to watch for the Bears in the preseason.