Grading the 2023 Chicago Bears rookie class after their first regular season

Chicago Bears Round 3 Zacch Pickens 

The Chicago Bears had to have wanted more from Pickens this year. He played just 24% of the defensive snaps this year, and he did not see his play, or his playing time increase as the season went on. 

As a pass rusher, he looked like had no juice compared to NFL speed. He was supposed to show more as a run defender, but the Bears could hardly trust him as he would get pushed around. 

The Bears are expected to let Justin Jones walk this offseason, which would mean Pickens needs to step into a bigger role. Nothing he did as a rookie suggests he is ready for that. 

Zacch Pickens grade: D

Chicago Bears Round 4 Rochson Johnson

Roschon Johnson finished the year playing about 35% of the total offensive snaps. He was eased in early, and then as his role expanded, he missed two weeks with a concussion. It took some time for him to get back into the swing, but he finished as the passing down and short yardage back, and the expectation is for him to stick in that role next year. 

Roschon Johnson Grade: C+