Analyzing the Bears Defensive Tackles, Post-Hibernation

With the Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp completed and training camp right around the corner, it's time to start familiarizing yourself with the team's roster. This year, I've chosen to break this down as individual articles for each position group. Look out for two positional previews per week, paired with podcast episodes available on Apple , Spotify , and live-streamed on YouTube !

• Running Backs
• Wide Receivers
• Tight Ends
• Offensive Line
• Quarterback

Chicago Bears Defensive Tackles

Andrew Billings

The Bears' nose tackle played 47% of the team's snaps in 2023 and stayed healthy for the entire season. Billings is on the field to occupy gaps against the run, but he also has enough pass-rush juice to be a threat. Especially in a defense that asked the interior to push the pocket and the EDGE rushers to play wide.

His size and strength allow him to steal a gap in the run game, freeing up other players to make plays. One of the statistical strengths of the Bears' defense was the linebacker production, and Billings deserves more credit for keeping Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards clean on rushing downs. He consistently demands double teams and disrupts blockers' attempts to reach linebackers at the second level. That ability doesn't always translate to PFF run defense grades, but it shows up in the tape.

Billings uses his raw power and natural leverage to push the pocket on passing downs. Being a shorter defensive tackle, Billings creates leverage easily and uses his mass to drive solo blocks backward. His power demands two blockers often, even on passing downs. But at his size, he does play with a pitch count. I can't imagine his snaps increasing much from what was asked of him in 2023.

Gervon Dexter Sr.

As a rookie, Dexter played 40% of the Bears snaps and played in every game. Coming out of college, Dexter's draft upside was based on his raw power against the run. The pass rush upside was apparent due to his athletic tools, but the tools as a run defender were more obvious on tape. In the NFL, his run defense became more of a concern.

Throughout his rookie year, Dexter showed impressive growth as a pass rusher. His Week 1 pass-rush tape is indistinguishable from his tape at the end of the season. He developed multiple pass-rush moves as the season progressed, which is impressive for a rookie. While none of these moves were highly technical, they were effective as he used brute strength to pry open pass-rush lanes.

Against the run, however, he got worse as the season went on. His technique when taking on combo blocks and double teams left a lot to be desired. On tape, it seems like the coaches asked him to focus on rushing the passer and not worry as much about the run.

His usage supports this theory, as Dexter primarily played passing downs in 2023. After the first few weeks of the season, his opportunities against the run dwindled. In 2024, the Bears' defensive success will require significant growth from Dexter as a run defender.

Zacch Pickens

As a rookie, Pickens played 25% of the Bears' snaps and saw snaps in every game. Pickens was the Bears' backup nose tackle in 2023. His frame is that of a traditional 3-technique, though. I believe the Bears had him in the next tackle role because he's much more technically sound with his hands when taking on combo blocks and double teams.

In my opinion, Pickens had an okay but unspectacular rookie year. While he played the nose tackle role more often, most of his flashes came from a 3-technique alignment. I expect to see him playing the 3-technique role more often in 2024.

Between his above-average athleticism, pliable frame, and impressive length, Pickens offers a lot of traits to like. As a pass rusher, he can get into defenders quickly off the snap and use his first step quickness to penetrate gaps. The tools are there for him to develop into a quality rotational pass rusher, but consistency will be key.

As a run defender, I think Pickens has been undersold to this point in his career. Pickens will never be an above-average run defender, but I think he's capable enough to play rushing downs as needed. His upside as a run defender is probably similar to that of former Bear Justin Jones.

In 2024, I want Pickens to let the dog out of the cage more often. His patient and controlled play style can be detrimental on the field. Pickens' opportunities will grow if he relies on his instincts and stays on the attack. The question though, is whether those are traits that can be developed.

Other Defensive Tackles

Last season, the Bears rostered four true defensive tackles. Those four players totaled 1,943 snaps on the season, with Justin Jones representing 38% of the Bears total defensive tackle snaps. The three players mentioned above made up the other 62% of the Bears' defensive tackle snaps.

While Justin Jones may not have been a difference-maker on the field, he was a snap eater who provided adequate play at the position. Replacing those snaps with only Billings, Dexter, and Pickens will be difficult. But at this point in the offseason, answers are hard to find.

The Bears roster also features journeymen Byron Cowart and Michael Dwumfour, in addition to UDFA Keith Randolph Jr. Cowart last played in 2022, with 229 snaps for the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, Dwumfour last played in 2022 with 238 snaps between the Houston Texans and San Francisco 49ers. Given the lack of depth in the room, I'd expect the Bears to be active in the defensive tackle market as rosters are cut down. As it stands currently, this is the thinnest position group on the Bears roster.

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