Chicago Bears: What did Pace, Nagy see in each 2018 NFL Draft pick?

Defensive End Bilal Nichols, Delaware

Immediately after the Bears selected Bilal Nichols out of Delaware, I found something interesting on him. Well, not one particular thing, but more so a combination of things that stood out — he’s a lot like Akiem Hicks.

As the Chicago media loved to point out to coach Nagy, a Delaware alum, the fact Nichols was a fellow Blue Hen could have made a difference if there ever was a question in drafting the big man. Obviously, Nagy laughed and said it sure helped, but this pick was all about scheme fit and upside.

"“We felt really, really good about that pick.” -Nagy"

As for Pace, asked what the thought process was behind selecting Nichols:

"“Good fit for our scheme as a defensive end. Rugged, tough, upside as a rusher.”"

Nichols’ big knock was that he never went up against stiffer competition. Playing for a smaller school — which Pace seems to love, historically speaking — will do that for a player. It doesn’t do Nichols any favors coming out of Delaware, but Hicks is a Regina product who also had the same question marks coming into the league.

I believe Pace truly looked at this pick as an ideal scheme fit. Because Roy Robertson-Harris and Jonathan Bullard haven’t panned out to be the studs they could have been — yet — Nichols adds depth and competition at that position opposite of Hicks. I like the pick as well as the motive behind it.