Chicago Bears: 3 players not to sleep on during training camp

Bilal Nichols

The defensive line is arguably the best position group lead by the best position coach on the team in defensive line coach Jay Rodgers. However, the position took a huge hit with Eddie Goldman opting-out. Yes, the Bears have John Jenkins as a capable backup but doubt that he can reach close to the level of impact as Goldman.

A player that I feel that can play up to Goldman level is third-year man Bilal Nichols. Although for the start of his career he has mainly been at defensive end. Nichols is no stranger to playing the Nose Tackle. He played a fair share of it in Delaware and was effective there. Nichols has the talent to be a dominant defensive lineman.

Each offseason he has worked on the area of his game. Last year it was shredding blocks with some hand fighting techniques. This year was mainly him putting on muscle and bulk to withstand opposing offensive linemen. From the sound of things from the first day of practice, the plan seems to be for Nichols to slide into the NT role at least in their base sets.

With the added responsibility, along with Nichols bulking up in strength and weight. The stars are aligned for Nichols to have a breakout year in 2020.