The Next Starting Bears Defensive End Isn't Who You Expect

Everybody has talked about what the Chicago Bears have gained in 2018. That's no surprise given the massive turnover across the roster, especially the offense. Not enough time has been spent pondering some of the names they lost. Not just the big names but those who might be somewhat overlooked and undervalued. Chief among those players is Mitch Unrein. Nobody is saying the veteran defensive end was a stud, but he made for a steady presence alongside Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks. He defended the run well and had a career-best 2.5 sacks. His leaving for Tampa Bay in free agency opens a rather puzzling hole at defensive end for them. Hicks and Goldman are the mainstays up front but they can't afford to have a constant weakness holding them back at that third position. So the competition to see who fills it will be more important in training camp than people think. Who's the favorite? Most casual fans would have the easy answer. They'd be wrong.

Roy Robertson-Harris emerging as favorite to claim starting job

The common answer to the question would be Johnathan Bullard. He's the former third round pick of the Bears in 2016. He seemed to show marked progress in 2017. He still had just one sack but he was solid in run defense, forced a fumble and also deflected two passes. Many feel this could be his year to ascend. However, there is another 2016 alum who might be poised to steal that shot from him. According to Bears defensive line coach Jay Rodgers, the team has been especially impressed with the progress Roy Robertson-Harris continues to make.

“He doesn’t have the mass, meaning the 300-and-plus pounds that maybe somebody else does. But he’s big and he’s strong. He can move. He can swivel his hips a little bit. And he does have a good burst, so he’ll make a lot of hustle plays. He got a full season of what it’s like. Now he’s got an expectation that’s a little bit different, almost a higher expectation for himself because he understands it. It’s just a matter of going out there and mastering all the techniques, run and pass, in order to get production on the field.”

What's amazing is how swift the transition for Robertson-Harris has been.

Keep in mind he was signed as an edge rusher and outside linebacker in undrafted free agency from Texas-El Paso. So not only was he making a huge jump in competition, he was also going to switch position for the 4-3 defensive end spot he played in college. Then things got worse when he missed the season due to a severe heat-related illness suffered in training camp. By 2017 he was healthy but also switching positions again, this time to 3-4 defensive. He had to learn a totally different style of play while also trying to pack on several pounds from the 255 he weighed coming into the league. The fact he was able to do that and contribute so soon with two sacks last season is a testament to his hard work and natural talent. The Bears are excited to see what will happen now that the game has slowed down for him and his body is built to proper proportions. Could he do even more damage with starter snaps? They seem interested in finding out.