5 best training camp battles for Bears in 2019

Defensive End: Bilal Nichols vs. Roy Robertson-Harris

The Bears have an embarrassment of riches on the defensive line, and it goes beyond superstar defensive end Akiem Hicks. Last season, Hicks finished second on the team behind Khalil Mack with 16 QB hits and 7.5 sacks, but he was far from the only impressive pass rushing presence at defensive end.

While Roy Robertson-Harris and Bilal Nichols only had three sacks apiece in 2018, they combined for 18 QB hits. Both players look poised to take another step forward in 2019, and Nichols looks like a sure-fire bet to enter the Pro Bowl conversation. Just 22, Nichols is on the shortlist of the NFL’s most underrated players.

But while Nichols is the favorite to get the most snaps with Hicks and nose tackle Eddie Goldman on the Bears defensive line, Robertson-Harris will do his best to push the potential 2019 breakout star.

Another player worth mentioning is Jonathan Bullard, who is no lock to make the roster despite past expectations.

Bullard had just one QB hit and three tackles for loss last year and has just two sacks in three seasons. This will be a critical year for him, so the former third-round pick will have to quickly show in training camp that he still deserves to be in the mix. But it’s important not to count the former Florida Gators star completely out, since he isn’t short on natural ability. A late breakout from Bullard is far from impossible.