Eric Washington Seems To Be Unlocking Another Former Bears Pick

After the Chicago Bears dismissed Alan Williams during the 2023 season, head coach Matt Eberflus assumed control of the defensive play calling. While that would not change going into 2024, he knew he had to find another defensive coordinator to help shoulder the workload. Rather than simply promote from within, Eberflus decided to seek an opportunity to upgrade the staff. After a few interviews, he pounced on the chance to bring in Eric Washington from Buffalo. Not only was the man well-versed in the Tampa-2 defensive scheme, but he was also a renowned defensive line specialist.

His presence could go a long way in helping the Bears develop some of their young draft picks like Gervon Dexter and Dominique Robinson. In the case of the former, the influence is already being felt. Dexter has six pressures and two sacks through his first two games. Rookie Austin Booker showed loads of promise in the preseason. However, maybe the most encouraging update came in Houston, where another prominent draft choice flashed significantly before an injury forced him from action.

Eric Washington is living up to his reputation.

Zacch Pickens only got to rush the quarterback four times last Sunday. Even so, he still had two pressures. It was a small sample size but a good reminder of how talented the young man is. Washington is good with all defensive line positions. Yet his track record shows that he is often at his best with defensive tackles. Henry Melton in Chicago, Kawann Short in Carolina, and Ed Oliver in Buffalo are three prominent examples. Everybody knows about Dexter. They often forget Pickens was a 3rd round pick. Chicago has high expectations for him.

Sadly, he won't play this week due to a nagging groin injury. It delays the chance to see how much progress he's making. Eric Washington and the coaching staff must be careful with him. Groin issues can linger if not dealt with properly. Whenever he does get healthy, the flashes he showed suggest he needs more snaps in the rotation. If he takes the same path of improvement as Dexter has, the Bears' defensive line could be one of the most dangerous in the league.