Jonathan Bullard is somewhat of a forgotten name in the
Chicago Bears defensive line. A year ago he was considered a draft steal. A powerful force out of Florida who looked like he'd make a terrific piece for the defensive end spot. Suffice to say it didn't go as planned. Despite numerous opportunities the rookie managed just 18 tackles and a sack in 14 games. Coaches grew frustrated with his inconsistency and he was benched in December.
To his credit the man took the right message from that demotion: work harder and get better. Even while the Bears have added more bodies to the front in John Jenkins and Jaye Howard, Bullard has quietly been putting in extra efforts to improve for 2017. He isn't doing it alone either. He's getting a major assist from another Florida alum and former Bears lineman.
The new Jonathan Bullard trainer is....
None other than Alex Brown. The two shared an Instagram video recently chronicling what Bullard is doing to improve his game. All the while Brown was right there helping him.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTp3nvvjy06/
People forget how good Brown himself was in his day. A former fourth round pick in 2002, he went on to collect 43.5 sacks with the defense and was a big part of their Super Bowl team. He was also a Pro Bowl alternate in 2005. So he knows a thing or two about what it takes to have success at the NFL level. The fact he's a Bears alum coming in to help the next generation just makes it all the sweeter. A far cry from the days of the Phil Emery era.
Hopes are high for the Bears defense in 2017. They have several key pieces in place. One of them being Leonard Floyd at outside linebacker. If Bullard were to start living up to his vast potential, a good front seven could suddenly morph into a great one. Credit must go to the likes of Brown and other assistant coaches who are doing everything possible to help him.
