Bilal Nichols Has Regressed And Why The Timing Couldn’t Be Worse

When talking about the strengths of a football team, nobody would argue that for the Chicago Bears it has been their defensive line. This became true after Akiem Hicks arrived in 2016. Together with Eddie Goldman, they formed a formidable tandem that only got better with the arrival of promising rookie Bilal Nichols in 2018. That held true again in 2019 and 2020. However, things have begun to look questionable in that area on defense the past month.

Hicks continues to endure health issues. The latest is a groin problem. Don’t forget his contract expires this offseason. Considering he’s now in his 30s. It is difficult to know if he’ll return. Muddying the waters even more is the status of Goldman. He hasn’t looked anything like the dominant nose tackle he was two years ago since returning from an extended stay at home due to COVID concerns. Many around the organization believe he may end up retiring after this season. That or the Bears could cut or trade him.

Then there is Nichols.

The former 5th round pick came into 2021 with lots of momentum. He is in the final year of his rookie contract and chasing a big payday. Not only that but he had a career-high five sacks last season. It looked like he was poised for a breakout. That has not been the case this year. Through eight games, Nichols has just one sack and 12 pressures total. Well behind the pace he set last year. If that weren’t bad enough, he hasn’t been much help at stopping the run either. The only notable highlight in recent weeks was getting ejected for throwing a punch.

All of these factors create a concerning realization. The Bears defensive line might not be a strength of this team for much longer. Not if Hicks and Goldman leave while Nichols may have peaked. For all the talk about the offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback? People may have to add D-line to their list of 2022 needs as well.

Bilal Nichols may stay in Chicago but he isn’t a centerpiece

Not like Hicks has been for the past few years. He is more of a complimentary guy. Somebody who can take advantage of the centerpiece’s presence. That isn’t a bad thing. Such players are necessary to the success of a defense too. However, it underscores the situation Chicago could be in a few months from now. Those hopes that Nichols might ascend to become Hicks’ successor should be put to rest.

That means the Bears will have to consider addressing the front next offseason. There is some good news in that regard. Most experts believe the defensive line crop for the 2022 draft is fairly strong. Recent estimates have nine in the top 100 prospects. That offers a favorable possibility Chicago could get a quality option in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. Bilal Nichols will likely return, but not at the big rate he was hoping for.

Not unless he really turns it on over the final nine games.

This is further confirmation that the current incarnation of great Bears defense has run its course. Key guys like Hicks, Khalil Mack, and Danny Trevathan have pushed into their 30s. Robert Quinn is a solid rental but in his 30s as well. This team is poised for a youth movement. Luckily they have some pieces already in place with Roquan Smith and Jaylon Johnson. Nichols isn’t on their level, but he should remain a decent contributor.