Matt Eberflus Points Out Rookie That Has Started Catching His Eye

The first preseason game for the Chicago Bears is later this week. Head coach Matt Eberflus must get his players prepared for the next phase. Expectations are his starters won’t go more than two series against the Tennessee Titans. That means lots of work for backups and definitely rookies. It is a great chance for several of them to make statements on the field. This regime has already shown they’re willing to play young guys if the opportunity is earned. Braxton Jones, Jaquan Brisker, Kyler Gordon, and Jack Sanborn all proved it last year.

Several rookies are already making cases for themselves. Gervon Dexter is already living up to his reputation as a stout run blocker. Tyrique Stevenson is a current favorite to start at cornerback. Tyler Scott is making plays at wide receiver. It’s an active group. Yet the name that seems to have Eberflus’ attention of late isn’t talked about much. That is Zacch Pickens. The defensive tackle from South Carolina went in the 3rd round to Chicago, and he’s been picking up the pace over the past few practices.

“I really like what he did this stack, the last three stacks here. He did a really nice job. We really worked with him on his pass rush and real simple: just take off, long arm and then working one move from there and I think that he’s doing a really good job with that. When you have a rookie, you just keep it real small like that and a guy can improve, and when he gets that down you need to move onto the next thing. He’s doing a real nice job so far.”

Matt Eberflus knows what Pickens can be.

It isn’t a secret. This defense is built around the front four. They must be the ones to apply pressure on the quarterback. For the system to function at its best, it needs a dominant presence at three-technique. This is the designated interior pass rusher at defensive tackle. We’re talking about John Randle in Minnesota or Warren Sapp in Tampa Bay. For Bears fans, it’s Tommie Harris and Henry Melton. They were the straws that stirred the drink. Pickens has the necessary traits to be that guy for this team.

He showcased his explosiveness at the combine with a 1.74 ten-yard split (4th-best among DTs) and a 9 feet, 8-inch broad jump, which was tied for best at the event. Those two numbers almost always determine whether a player can be a good pass rusher in the NFL. Throw in his quickness and 34-inch arms, and it’s easy to understand why Matt Eberflus is excited. Pickens isn’t ready yet. He needs lots of work on his fundamentals. Yet based on his progress so far, he could have an impact on this team right away.