Chicago Bears: One of these three will shine behind Khalil Mack

Akiem Hicks has already proven to be a second guy for the Chicago Bears

Akiem Hicks missed a large chunk of the previous season after an elbow injury in a week three win against the Washington… um… Football Team. Between Hicks, Fuller, and Jackson, Hicks has had the longest career but hasn’t had the headlining stats of his two counterparts. This isn’t a knock at him as a player, rather a difference in play style.

For starters, he plays a less glamorous position at defensive tackle, while still providing extremely high value to the team. A lot of casual fans probably even forgot his name after he missed action last year, but the big guy will be ready for a strong return in 2020.

Even at his position, he’s an extremely productive player who has a natural leadership trait that most players simply don’t. There are guys who try to lead by example, and then there are guys like Hicks who just do it without thinking.

In his last healthy season, Hicks forced three fumbles, deflected five passes, and put up 7.5 sacks. Expect a bounce-back season to aid the return of the Chicago bears in 2020.