Chicago Bears: 7 players who must prove themselves in 2020

4. DE Bilal Nichols

As a rookie in 2018, Bilal Nichols showed so much promise, many wondered if he was another diamond in the rough that general manager Ryan Pace has managed to find over the last few years during day three of the NFL Draft.

Then he’d break his hand early during the 2019 season which would stall his development, even though he’d end up starting 12 games. Still, Nichols would finish the season with zero sacks and just 27 tackles.

It’s tough to truly judge where Nichols is at. Some say that he’ll never be more than a rotational piece, who can step in when a player needs a few plays off, while others say that he’s a player that is still continuing to grow and is a guy who’s expected to start the 2020 season opposite Akiem Hicks.

With Nichols, it’s this simple: He’s not entirely at a crossroads but since he did start 12 games last season, it’s clear that the Bears value what he can do. If he doesn’t manage to carve out a role for himself in 2020, it is very likely that after the conclusion of the 2021 NFL season, the Bears allow him to leave via free agency.