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Chicago Bears Hope Jonathan Bullard Can Develop Into Their Malik Jackson

By Johnny Hatelak

Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA;Florida Gators defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA;Florida Gators defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90) tackles Vanderbilt Commodores running back Ralph Webb (7) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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On this play you can see how Bullard occupies blockers to help keep the playmakers behind him clean to make the play. In this case I’ll detail a run play against Kentucky.

Florida is in a standard 4-3-4 with the SLB just off the line of scrimmage about a yard back or so. The RCB is in press, the LCB in off coverage with Kentucky in a run formation with two backs offset up tight and to each side of the QB and another directly behind.


As the play develops, Bullard uses that great recognition he has and immediately engages the center (72) using his length to stack the center and stands him up like he’s actually making the block not defending it thus creating a seal of sorts.

By doing this, Bullard effectively leaves a clear path for the SLB to shoot through to make the tackle on the HB untouched.

As the LB makes the play you can see the unselfishness in Bullard as he holds his position even with the RB approaching his vicinity. Rather than being selfish and undisciplined and reaching out to make the play and thus get the glory, he stays on assignment to makes sure the entire defense is successful on that play. Unselfish plays like these will definitely help play makers like Floyd and Freeman to cleanup on the tackles.

Next: Conclusion

In Bullard, the Bears are getting a versatile, powerful yet athletic end who can play tackle in sub sets. Including three technique which Bears employ a lot of in their scheme in spite of being 3-4 based.

I compared him here to Malik Jackson as both have a lot of the same physical gifts. Plus, Bullard is likely going to play the same role as Jackson played with the Broncos. Jackson like Bullard is also very versatile as he played up and down the line like Bullard did at Florida.

I actually like Bullard better. I see a little more ‘dawg’ in his game. Jackson seems to play more inconsistent. His engine runs a bit hot and cold. Bullard plays with consistently more passion and love for the game from what I’ve seen. Of course money has a way of changing people, so the jury is still out until we see his career develop, but so far, I’m really liking what I’m seeing in his play at Florida and seeing how he can be best utilized here in Chicago.

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