The Bears added some much needed depth to their defensive line by drafting Florida defensive end Jonathan Bullard with their third round pick (72nd overall). I’ve wrote at length about the Bears lack of depth on the defensive line and Bullard is talented enough to compete for a starting DE job as a rookie.
The Bears have the making of a young, talented d-line with Eddie Goldman, Akiem Hicks, and now Jonathan Bullard. All three players are 26 years old or younger with their best years ahead of them. Bullard may not earn the starting defensive end gig right away, but should play immediately in sub-packages or move inside when the Bears roll out a 4-man front.
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Here is my take on Bullard from my 3-4 defensive end rankings:
"Jonathan Bullard, Florida (6’3 | 283 | 4.86) – Made steady progress every season during his college career, topped off by an impressive senior season where he racked up 66 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. Bullard has the size to play DE in the Bears 3-4 scheme and enough strength to slide inside on passing downs. He uses his height effectively to get in passing lanes and his long arms to shed blocks and make plays against the run near the line of scrimmage. Bullard is never going to lead the team in sacks, but he could be one of the best run stoppers in this draft class."
Here is another take on Bullard from CBS Sports:
"Bullard is a classic two-gap run-stuffer with size, physicality and a blue-collar playing style. Teams will appreciate his no-nonsense game along with his positional and schematic versatility to play outside or inside. Bullard will attract some first-round attention."
I’ll have more details on Bullard and the rest of the Bears draft picks over the weekend. I’ll also have grades on all of their picks, but for now I’m feeling pretty good about the Bears selections of G Cody Whitehair and DE Jonathan Bullard on day 2.