Mel Kiper Believes Zacch Pickens Brings First-Round Talent to the Bears
The Chicago Bears made defense a top priority on Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, and they completed their trio of defensive picks by selecting South Carolina's Zacch Pickens with the No. 64 pick in the third round.
Pickens is the second defensive tackle the Bears took in the draft, following Gervon Dexter Sr. from Florida. Unlike Dexter, Pickens has a solid first step coming off the line and could be the team's solution at the 3-technique. He recorded 42 tackles (four for a loss) and 2.5 sacks with the Gamecocks last season. The Bears also added cornerback Tyrique Stevenson from Miami in the second round.
This isn't the first time the Bears have doubled up on defensive tackles in a draft. They last did so in 2014 when they selected Ego Ferguson and Will Sutton in the second and third rounds, respectively. While Pickens has struggled with consistency on tape and has lacked production at times, he has substantial athletic ability, according to longtime ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. In fact, Kiper even called Pickens a "first-round talent" from a physical standpoint.
Chicago's one-gap scheme should benefit from what Pickens brings to the table.
With Pickens and Dexter on board, the Bears have added some much-needed depth to their defensive line. It remains to be seen how they will perform in the NFL, but there's no denying the potential that Pickens brings to the table.
As seen at: Mel Kiper Feels Bears Got A «1st Round Talent» In Zacch Pickens
| POLL | ||
30 AVRIL | 172 ANSWERS Mel Kiper Believes Zacch Pickens Brings First-Round Talent to the Bears Do you feel like the Bears' defensive line has been improved in the draft? | ||
| Yes | 151 | 87.8 % |
| No | 21 | 12.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
