One truth lost in the NFL is that sometimes it takes players years to find their stride in the league. They bounce around teams, never standing out enough to get a proper shot. Then they happen to land on a certain roster with a certain coaching staff that employs the exact system to bring their biggest strengths to life. Nicholas Williams was a perfect example. He did nothing during his stops with Kansas City and Miami through three seasons. Then he joins the Chicago Bears under Vic Fangio and blows up for six sacks in 2019.
Maybe the same thing is happening again—this time with Trevon Coley. Don’t feel bad if you’re unfamiliar with the name. Most people are. The defensive tackle signed with the Bears this off-season. He was an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic in 2016. He had a decent 2017 season with two sacks but faded away after that. He and Matt Eberflus worked together briefly in 2019 with the Indianapolis Colts. Last season he played six games with the Arizona Cardinals, notching a sack.
Then he resurfaced last Saturday against Kansas City, grabbing two sacks on the afternoon.
Chicago Bears know they need more interior pass rush.
That was his calling card in college. Over his final two years, he amassed ten sacks and 17 tackles for a loss. Draft experts felt his strengths centered around his quickness, leverage, and high motor. He thrived when allowed to shoot gaps. There are glimpses of that player during his time in the NFL. It comes down to consistency. His problem has been stringing good games together. Too often, he’d show up for a week and then vanish.
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That is why the preseason road game in Seattle is critical. He had a great performance against Kansas City. Now can he do it again? If he does, that might be the push he needs to crack the main roster. The Chicago Bears have depth questions behind Justin Jones at three-technique. Coley fits the bill. Coaches need to know if they can trust him.
Warren Sapp, Tommy Harris. Need a couple guys like that. Coley? I’d love to see it.
I agree with Russ on this, gotta have a penetrating 3 technique in this defense or it doesn’t work.
3 tech’…. is a HUGE concern in my opinion. So… seeing this guys step up is very good news. Can he do it vs the 1st string? (or is he JUST better than the 2nd and 3rd stringers)