3 bold predictions for Chicago Bears defensive line in 2023

1. Justin Jones will finish the 2023 season fourth amongst Chicago Bears interior linemen in snaps

Considering Justin Jones led the Chicago Bears in snaps amongst interior linemen last season this comes off as bold. There are about three things going against Justin Jones when you think about his ability to get snaps. First, as we noted, his ceiling appears capped.

Last year was one of the best years of his career, and it was backup caliber on most rosters. He is entering year six, and his peak may not be that high. More than that, he is a free agent at the end of this season. So, the team could easily decide early on that they are not invested in him in the long term, and that may help them decide to eat into his playing time.

More than that is the development and progress of Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens, which is essential. These two will be here long-term, and they do have the upside to create more sacks by their fifth season than Jones.

Billings will not lose snaps because his role as the nose tackle is valuable. The Chicago Bears will want to play both Pickens and Dexter in the role that Justin Jones played last season.

In a perfect scenario, the Chicago Bears see Dexter and Pickens emerge this season. Then, Billings is third in his role. This leaves Justin Jones fourth in the pecking order, and then moving on to a new team this offseason. Bold, but possible.