2016 Breakout Player: Akiem Hicks
The Chicago Bears have several players that could have big seasons in 2016. Akiem Hicks is at the top of the list.
Ryan Pace had his eye on a couple players during the offseason. Everyone suspected that Danny Trevathan would be his number one target and those suspicions were quickly confirmed when free agency opened in March. Pace had another name circled on his target list and went after him hard. That man was Akiem Hicks.
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Pace and Hicks spent time together with the New Orleans Saints and Pace always liked what he saw. Last year with Pace in Chicago, the Saints traded Hicks to the New England Patriots in late September. Under Bill Belichick, he became a successful rotational defensive lineman for New England.
Pace saw something special in Hicks, just like he saw something special in Pernell McPhee. McPhee was Pace’s top free agent priority in 2015 after McPhee showed flashes of talent as a backup linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens.
Pace gave McPhee his chance to be an every-down player last season and he didn’t disappoint. McPhee became a leader on the team and was their biggest impact player on defense. Pace and John Fox are hoping to see the same path from Hicks this season.
Hicks thoroughly impressed Bears’ brass throughout OTAs and he looked very good during training camp. The Bears spent this past week having joint practices with the New England Patriots and Hicks continued to show why he’ll be an impact player for Chicago in 2016.
Akiem Hicks just knocked Martellus Bennett on his backside during full team drills. And Hicks is barking, letting him know about it.
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) August 16, 2016
Bennett had a bad attitude during these joint practices and wouldn’t speak with Jay Cutler at all. Bennett also got into a tussle with Lamarr Houston. Hicks rallied behind his teammates and stood up for them. Hicks has the mentality to be a leader in the locker room and a force on the field.
"Animated? Well, I get excited pretty easily," said #Bears DL Akiem Hicks of practice demeanor. "You've got to be able to bring the juice."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) August 16, 2016
“You’ve got to bring the juice.”
That’s clearly Hicks’ mantra. His motor runs at 100% all the time and that’s exactly the type of energy and attitude the Bears need on defense. Hicks was all over the practice field against the Patriots. He knocked Bennett down as mentioned above. He also made several impact plays during scrimmaging including batting down a Jimmy Garoppolo pass.
Hicks also talked about how he is appreciative of his time in New England and credits Belichick in helping turn his career around. After a year under Belichick, he’s ready to take his play to the next level. Vic Fangio knows what he has in Hicks and will utilize his unique skill set.
That's Floyd circled, on same side as Acho with Hicks out wide on other side. Interesting. pic.twitter.com/EnvVJhRnFA
— Andrew Dannehy (@ADannehy) August 16, 2016
Fangio has never been shy about using unorthodox formations. Those formations are only successful if the personnel can execute once the ball is snapped. The Bears are creating one of the most formidable front sevens on defense in the entire NFL. It is, without question, the biggest strength of the new-look Bears.
Hicks is coming off a season that doesn’t look that impressive on paper. He tallied 23 tackles and recorded three sacks. While that’s productive, it doesn’t jump off the page. However, Hicks was only on the field for 27.6% of the Patriots’ defensive snaps. That will change in 2016. Hicks will be on the field constantly. He will have every opportunity to shine under Fangio and early signs show that he’s the perfect piece for Fangio’s scheme.
Hicks is ready for a monster season in 2016. Hicks has looked good in offseason workouts, training camps and preseason. Now, it just needs to translate to the field.
“You got to bring the juice.”
Hicks is ready to do just that.
Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.