Ranking the Chicago Bears 2018 Draft Class

#1-Bilal Nichols-(DT, Fifth Round, No. 145)

The draft selection that outperformed all the other rookies was the fifth-rounder from Delaware, Bilal Nichols.

Nichols wasn’t on the field all the time and didn’t receive the opportunities like first-rounder Roquan Smith. Yet, Nichols made a big play almost every time he touched the field. Appearing in 14 games, Nichols finished the season with 28 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles with one recovery.

That’s pretty good production from a small school, late-round selection who wasn’t expected to contribute much of anything in his first season. Bilal’s impact was simply more tangible than the rest of the rookies. Remember that game early in the season against the Arizona Cardinals? Bilal stopped Arizona’s Chase Edmonds on a third and short, late in the fourth quarter. Bilal’s tackle essentially sealed the deal for a Bears’ win and really opened our eyes as to what this player can be.

Teammate Akiem Hicks has discussed Bilal’s intense film study and Bilal even attributed that play against Arizona and others alike to seeing those instances in the film room. Hicks has taken the young lineman under his wing and the production on the field is evident.

Bilal Nichols was the best value at where he was drafted in the Chicago Bears’ 2018 draft class.