The Chicago Bears have kicked off training camp, where both returning and new faces to the roster have arrived at Halas Hall to begin preparation for the 2020 season. Obviously, the 2019 season didn’t go as planned for the Bears. But the hope is that, with some of the changes made this offseason, that Chicago can prove that last season was more of an anomaly than a trend.
Continuing with the defense and special teams, there’s a lot less change when compared to the offense. Although there are two starting jobs in the secondary up for grabs and the absence of nose tackle Eddie Goldman, who opted out of the 2020 season, looms large.
We surveyed every unit on the Bears defense and special teams to decide if they project to be better or worse in 2020, or if we can expect more of the same:
Defensive line
Gained:
- NT John Jenkins
- DE Brent Urban
- DT Trevon McSwain (rookie)
- DT Lee Autry (rookie)
Lost:
- NT Eddie Goldman (COVID-19 opt-out)
- DT Nick Williams
- DT Jonathan Bullard
The loss of nose tackle Eddie Goldman is a brutal one for the Bears defensive line, which means they’re going to need some young guys to step it up. Third-year defensive tackle Bilal Nichols is someone that has the potential to have a breakout year. John Jenkins, who returned for his second stint with the Bears, will likely step into the nose tackle role in Goldman’s absence. But there is good news on the defensive front: Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks is returning from injury, and his presence is needed now more than ever.
