Ranking top 10 most valuable Chicago Bears players in 2021

9. Chicago Bears DL Akiem Hicks

Last Year: 6

The nice thing about these rankings and lists is that now we are on year four, and we can look back at the player’s rises and falls. Akiem Hicks opened at #1 four years ago, then dropped to #3, and last year was #6. From, 1 to 3 to 6 and now checking in at number nine we have seen that it is not sudden, but it is notable that Hicks has slowly declined.

Hicks was at the top of his game two or three years ago, but like any player at his size and age eventually, you just lose another gear. Like many, it also has caught up to him on the injury forefront.

Still, Hicks is the clear-cut top-dog on the interior defensive line. Bilal Nichols is coming and is ranked number 12. This season may be the changing of the guard from Hicks to Nichols as the top man. However, for one more season, and for four straight seasons Hicks is listed as one of the top 10 most impactful Chicago Bears on the roster.