NEWSLETTER
If one is good, then two is better.
At least, that’s traditional thinking.
And it might be what crossed the mind of GM Ryan Poles on Friday evening. Because not too long after using their first Day 2 pick on Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. to start their run of picks, the Bears found themselves double-dipping at the position. Plus, it is a return to the SEC as Chicago selects South Carolina defensive tackle Zacch Pickens:
Pickens, 23, was a standout defender for the Gamecocks. As a senior, Pickens came up with 42 total tackles, 4 tackles-for-loss, and 2.5 sacks. The year prior at SC, Pickens put up 4 sacks and 5 tackles-for-loss. Both of those numbers represent the most for Pickets in a single season while on campus. Pickens’ draft profile overview intrigues me.
Via NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein:
Athletic interior defender with experience and length as a gap-control tackle but the quickness and play traits that might be better-suited to attacking upfield. Pickens has a disruptive first step that creates advantages for him as both a run defender and pass rusher. He plays with harmonious hands and feet to elude blockers or play off them, but he’s likely to get moved around by NFL drive blockers. Pickens has the ability to play both tackle spots in a one-gapping front and has rotational value with the potential to see starter’s reps.
By the looks of things, the Bears will have their hands full in trying to develop two talented defensive linemen. It’ll be interesting to see how they divvy up the playing time with a group that includes newbies on one-year deals such as Andrew Billings and Rasheem Green, as well as returning starter Justin Jones.
