5 Bears primed to breakout in 2017

3. Jonathan Bullard

When the Bears drafted Bullard in the third round it looked like the player was a steal. His highlight tape is full of him blowing up lines and moving with speed, burst, and power. However, his rookie year showed a player who struggled to understand plays and maintain gaps. Bullard was consistently looking to blow up plays, and find his way into the backfield, but it cost him more than it helped.

He spent most of his rookie year in a rotation behind players such as Mitch Unrein, and Cornelius Washington. The Bears even signed Jaye Howard this offseason, so they would not have to rely on Bullard. However, they would be all for Bullard taking a big step and earning a starting spot on the defensive line next season.

Bullard is versatile and can play up and down the line. There is a lot the team can do if he can put together a complete season. With Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks already in the mix, this line could create serious pressure, and it would make the lives of their pass rushing linebackers much easier. Bullard has the tools to get there, and if he can put all the pieces together in year two he has a chance to be a starter by the end of the year.