Rookie The Chicago Bears Are Most Excited About Isn't Who You Think

The Chicago Bears have plenty of reasons to be happy with the progress of their latest rookie class. Darnell Wright has looked every bit the part of a future anchor right tackle for the past month. Tyrique Stevenson, despite some reckless mistakes, has played very well at cornerback. Gervon Dexter is improving steadily. Roschon Johnson was a monster in the latest preseason game against Indianapolis. Even undrafted free agent Tyson Bagent looked far sharper than a QB of his experience level should.

However, none of those guys might be who Matt Eberflus and the coaching staff are most excited about. One name that never got much attention through the first half of training camp was Zacch Pickens. It feels like because he was drafted shortly after fellow defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, fans immediately saw him as the inferior option. That mindset appears to have been a mistake. Few players on the roster have flashed more improvement through the first two preseason games than the 3rd round pick.

After notching a sack last week against Tennessee, Pickens added a tackle for loss and a QB in Indianapolis.

The Chicago Bears have to love Pickens' progress.

Coming into the NFL, the criticisms of the South Carolina product centered on his inconsistent pass rush and poor run defense. Nobody disputed his talent. The size, length, and athleticism were apparent. It fell to Eberflus and his defensive coaching staff to develop him. Pickens appears to have taken their teaching to heart. What stands out immediately is his awareness. He's been making some heady plays. His chasing down of that screen for a tackle for loss against the Colts was one of the best plays by any defensive lineman this preseason.

It is also apparent his progress in run defense is ahead of schedule. He's doing a much better job standing his ground and shedding blockers to clog running lanes. Yet it's the pass rush that has the Chicago Bears excited. This defensive system requires a quality interior pass rusher to reach its full potential. Looking at the depth chart, Pickens has the most upside of any player. He has the length, burst, and closing speed necessary to collapse pockets on a regular basis. It was always about getting him to tap into that potential consistently.

His rapid progress must have the team excited behind closed doors.