When the Chicago Bears selected defensive lineman Zacch Pickens in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, there were high expectations that he could be the next great starter on the line. The team is still waiting for him to step up.
Pickens has played in 26 career games with a total of 39 tackles, four quarterback hits, two tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and one forced fumble. A groin injury caused him to miss significant time last year as he only played in nine games.
Last season, Pickens' Pro Football Focus grades were not good. It was below average compared to the other 219 interior defensive linemen in the NFL.
Overall Grade | Pass Rush Grade | Run Defense Grade |
|---|---|---|
45.5 (174th out of 219) | 57.6 (124th out of 219) | 42.1 (173rd out of 219) |
2025 training camp for Pickens is a critical one as it could be make or break for him to make the roster. A new rookie in the fold could be Pickens' ticket out of Chicago.
Shemar Turner make take Pickens' job away from him
Turner was one of Chicago's three second-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to help the Bears add some depth to their tackle position. At Texas A&M, Turner was a great run stopper who could get off the line quickly and plug up the holes.
The Bears added talent in free agency on the defensive line with Grady Jarrett at tackle and Dayo Odeyingbo. Gervon Dexter Sr. looks to take the other starting spot at defensive tackle.
During training camp, Bears fans will have to watch the second string tackle battle as Andrew Billings looks to be a lock after playing well in relief of Pickens last year during his injury. That would leave Turner and Pickens.
It feels more than likely that if a team takes a player in the second round that they are a lock to make the roster and will be in the rotation. With Turner essentially a lock, where does that leave Pickens?
There's a chance they keep Pickens to give them their third-team tackle, but he has honestly not provided the Bears enough value over the last two years to be a lock. It's more like 50-50 whether Pickens even makes the roster or takes a spot on the practice squad.
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Chicago would rather Pickens step up and play well, but if he doesn't shine at training camp, the Bears wouldn't mind moving on from him sooner rather than later.