2018 Chicago Bears 53-man roster prediction version 1.0
By Ryan Heckman
Defensive Line
Akiem Hicks
The voice. The personality. The fierce threat on the field. Akiem Hicks is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in all of football, and he’ll continue playing with that little chip on his shoulder as long as it take for people to notice. Watch out for a career year from Hicks in 2018.
Eddie Goldman
When he’s at his best and healthy, Eddie Goldman is a very solid nose tackle. Not many people see the work he does in the middle, because he’s not the one racking up sacks. But, against the run, he’s an incredible force.
Jonathan Bullard
Jonathan Bullard will compete for the spot opposite of Hicks, and I think the more likely scenario here is that it becomes a committee. In order to keep he and the next couple of guys fresh, the Bears could use multiple players at that spot.
Roy Robertson-Harris
Roy Robertson-Harris’ name has been paired up with the word “potential” far too many times. Still, he has it. Can he finally take the next step this year and earn significant playing time?
Bilal Nichols
The rookie fifth-round pick out of Delaware should be a great developmental piece for this defense. Bilal Nichols reminds me a lot of Akiem Hicks and could find himself becoming an integral piece within a couple of years. He is said to be learning both positions on the line.
John Jenkins
Rounding out the defensive line as mainly a depth guy is John Jenkins. Entering his seventh season in the NFL, he provides a bit of a lift at nose tackle should anything happen to Goldman or Nichols.