The Chicago Bears underwent a significant roster overhaul this offseason. While much of the focus has been on the Bears' offensive additions thanks to new head coach Ben Johnson, they also retooled their defensive line. Chicago signed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, and drafted defensive tackle Shamar Turner.
Although Odeyingbo is the player with the most upside, the Bears are still expecting a lot out of Jarrett. The 32-year-old is expected to bring veteran leadership and production on the field. That said, his addition alongside Turner provided a massive shake-up to the defensive tackle depth chart.
Prior to the two additions at defensive tackle, 2023 third-round pick Zacch Pickens was slotted to be a big part of the defensive tackle rotation yet again. However, both Jarrett and Turner pushed him down the depth chart, and after a quiet OTAs, Pickens' future with the Bears could be in trouble.
Zacch Pickens' Future With Chicago in Jeopardy After Quiet OTAs
Since joining Chicago in 2023, Pickens has received a lot of flak from fans for being unproductive. In two seasons, the former third-round pick has recorded 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, 14 QB hurries, and 18 QB pressures in 28 games, according to PFF. Furthermore, in 2023, he finished with a 54.9 overall grade (122nd/215 DL) and in 2024, he finished with a 45.5 overall grade (172nd/219 DL), according to PFF.
Pickens played in just nine games in 2024, missing time due to injury and also landing on the inactive list as a healthy scratch. In spite of that, with a new coaching staff comes a new chance to impress. Unfortunately for Pickens, it doesn't seem like he's taken advantage of that.
Despite it being difficult to truly evaluate defensive line play during OTAs and minicamp, Johnson did heap praise on fourth-year defensive end Dominique Robinson. Robinson, who has also been underwhelming, catching the new coach's eye is noteworthy when comparing him to Pickens.
Pickens has a huge hill to climb during training camp if he wishes to stay in Chicago. The 25-year-old must prove he's better than Jonathan Ford and Chris Williams, who both looked good at points last season.