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Rookie Expectations: Bilal Nichols

By Bill Zimmerman

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 10: A Chicago Bears helmet is seen in the bench area during a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field on August 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Broncos defeated the Bears 24-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 10: A Chicago Bears helmet is seen in the bench area during a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Soldier Field on August 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Broncos defeated the Bears 24-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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What can Bears fans expect from fifth round pick Bilal Nichols in year one? We take a closer look.

When it was announced that the Chicago Bears selected Delaware’s Bilal Nichols with their fifth round pick, he was announced as a nose tackle, so most fans immediately thought, great, a backup for Eddie Goldman. But the fact is, the Bears selected Nichols with the thought that he would be playing the 5-tech defensive end position in Vic Fangio’s defense, not nose tackle. Could Nichols make an impact in year one? Let’s examine.

Best-Case Scenario

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Nichols shows the jump in competition is nothing and he immediately can play with the big boys. The Bears fall in love with his never-ending motor and give him opportunities in the preseason. Nichols plays well in the preseason and the Bears realize that he needs to see the field come the regular season. Nichols isn’t a starter, but proves he should be in the regular rotation as a rookie, impressive for a fifth round defensive lineman. Nichols flashes talent and pushes Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris for playing time. Nichols proves to be a solid run stopper with quick hands and a great spin move and the Bears realize they have an eventual starter on their hands, perhaps as early as year two.

Worst-Case Scenario

Nichols struggles in the preseason. While his motor and effort are excellent, he continues to be too upright and offensive linemen push him around. He gets pushed off the ball and can’t create penetration with his pass rush. Nichols makes the 53-man roster, but the Bears have discussions about cutting him and trying to stash him on the practice squad. Nichols only sees the field in blowouts and a little on special teams. Nichols enters 2019 fighting for a roster spot and needing to prove he can stick at the NFL level.

Odds Are

Many draft analysts liked the selection of Nichols and it’s because he’s a great value for a fifth round pick and will most likely develop into an NFL contributor. Nichols has a solid training camp and preseason and makes the roster without much question. He’s a regular part of the sub package on the defensive line but doesn’t see too many snaps with Akiem Hicks, Bullard and RRH in front of him. Nichols develops throughout the year and continues to earn more snaps on defense.

With money already committed to Hicks and most likely more money on its way to Eddie Goldman, the Bears will most likely not commit money to the other defensive line spot and will most likely mean a rookie contract will man that position. The Bears will plan on Nichols being a key sub player in 2019 and starting in 2020 once they choose not to commit money to Bullard and let him leave via free agency.

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