Chicago Bears Accused Of Holding One Of Their Rookies Back

Finding positives in a 1-4 start to a season can be difficult. Still, the Chicago Bears have some silver linings sprinkled across their roster. Justin Fields is playing much better lately. D.J. Moore looks like the star receiver they traded for. Teven Jenkins is back and seems more dominant than ever. Andrew Billings and T.J. Edwards have shined on an otherwise underwhelming defense. Yet perhaps the most encouraging thing is how well the Bears' 2023 draft class has performed. Darnell Wright is already playing like a top-15 tackle. Gervon Dexter had six pressures against Washington. Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith both look like quality additions at cornerback.

Some credit must be given to the Bears coaching staff for having them perform so competently out of the gate. However, there is one exception. Robert Schmitz of Da Bears Blog is one of the best at breaking down Bears film. You're missing out if you haven't watched his stuff on YouTube. One thing he's begun noticing is a stubborn refusal by the team to utilize Zacch Pickens properly. Despite having explosive potential as an interior pass rusher, they continue to play him out of position.

Schmitz can't understand why.

"Pickens has underwhelmed in the eyes of some, but I can’t help feeling like he’s better described as a player miscast within this defense — at South Carolina, Pickens was a reliable 1-gap run defender with a quick first step that flashed nuanced hand-usage when rushing the passer at the Senior Bowl. He’s a lighter defensive lineman (listed at 300lbs by Chicago) better suited for quick penetration than he for holding up against double teams… but why then have the Bears asked him to be the backup Nose Tackle? It doesn’t make sense, though I continue to hope that one day it will...

...His first step was always good in school, but I’ve been surprised at how many plays (~3 come to mind) he’s made in limited action due to his first step alone."

The Chicago Bears may not feel he's ready.

While he does show flashes, the most common explanation for such decisions is a player lacking consistency. There is also the fact they may not feel they need him at that spot. At least not yet. Justin Jones is the current starting three-technique for the Bears. They also have the option of moving DeMarcus Walker inside on passing downs. That and the desire to give the bigger and longer Dexter more opportunities have left Pickens in an awkward spot. Playing him behind Billings at nose tackle might be the only way to get him snaps.

Whatever the reasoning may be, the Chicago Bears should look to give him more opportunities. Pickens is showing progress. They will need as much pass rush as possible against Kirk Cousins on Sunday. He's often at his worst when it comes from the interior. This feels like the perfect opportunity to let the 3rd round pick off the leash. If not, it will be interesting to see when that happens. Based on what Schmitz has said, the time has to come sooner than later.