Chicago Bears: 6 players whose expectations are still uncertain
By Liam Fox
2. John Jenkins – It seems he will still be a back for the Chicago Bears
Eddie Goldman was one of two Chicago Bears who opted out of the NFL season (the other being Jordan Lucas). He has been among the league’s most underrated players despite being a consistent force on a great Chicago defense, providing pressure up the middle. His replacement this season will be veteran nose tackle, John Jenkins.
Jenkins has been in the NFL since 2013 with stops in Chicago, New Orleans, Seattle, Miami, and in New York with the Giants. His best season to date came in 2015 when he started 12 games and was on the field for 50 percent of the Saints’ defensive snaps. He was a role player with the Bears in 2017 but returns to the club this season with the opportunity to start.
Chicago had a top 10 rush defense last season with Goldman up the middle. He has also been good for a few sacks on average per season during his time in Chicago. Jenkins certainly has big shoes to fill. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime however for Jenkins, with countless stars playing alongside him on the defense. Jenkins will be lining up beside all-world disruptor Akiem Hicks on the defensive line.