Chicago Bears: 5 pre-daft position battle previews

Defensive End

Locked in: Akiem Hicks

Currently competing: Roy Robertson-Harris, Jonathan Bullard

Although the Bears need to add more to their defensive end spot, they have had potential opposite of Akiem Hicks for a couple seasons now. Both Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris are young and have shown flashes at times, but haven’t been able to take that next step.

Robertson-Harris the favorite to win this spot if Chicago doesn’t add competition, according to a lot of die-hard fans, and I would agree. The problem, though, is that competition will undoubtedly be added and most likely added through the draft.

Chicago could easily go after a guy like Bennie Logan among others, but there’s no telling just yet if Pace wants to add another free agent to this group.

At 6’7″ 295 pounds, Robertson-Harris has the body of a freak athlete. He is incredibly athletic, but just hasn’t earned his spot yet. If he gets a real shot come training camp, I don’t see why he wouldn’t have the opportunity to finally prove what he’s worth as a starter.

Some of the top prospects in this year’s class at the position include Vita Vea, who will likely go in round one, along with day two players like Rasheem Green and Duke Ejiofor. A lot of fans think Vea could be a great option if the Bears trade back, but that remains to be seen. We likely won’t find out whether the Bears will execute a trade like that until we get closer to the draft.