Chicago Bears: Grading the defensive position groups

With the loss of Eddie Goldman, these players are looking to prove themselves

Nose Tackles: Bilal Nichols, John Jenkins

Grades: C

Defensive Tackle is arguably one of the weaker positions on the best defense. With the unfortunate decision by Eddie Goldman to opt-out of 2020 it left a bit of a hole in the middle of the Chicago Bears frontline.

Nose Tackle may not be the flashiest position on the defense but it is still an important one. Most Nose Tackles are facing double teams every play, allowing others to play one on one. With the Bears already having great pass rushers, it can make opposing teams have to make a decision on who to focus on.

Goldman was a very quality, and maybe a little bit underrated, Nose Tackle and I think his presence will be missed. Moving onto who will be on the team in 2020, let’s start with Goldman’s replacement, Bilal Nichols.

2020 will be Nichols’ third season in the NFL, all with the Bears. Chicago drafted him in the fifth round of the 2018 draft. Since being drafted he has received quite a bit of playing time and has mostly looked pretty okay. Another solid season in 2020 can raise his stock come contract time.

John Jenkins will be backing up Bilal for the 2020 season. Jenkins is an eight-year veteran, who has pretty much been a part-time player since 2016. He had a brief stay with the Bears in 2017 appearing in eight games. Look for him to get some playing time in 2020 in a limited role.