Bears Defense Getting Bigger

The Bears draft took a decided turn toward defense and especially the interior of the line Friday as they took three defensive players, including South Carolina defensive tackle Zacch Pickens at No. 64 to start the third round.

The pick came following the selection of Florida defensive tackle Gervon Dexter at No. 53 in Round 2, then a trade up from 61 to 56 to take cornerback Tyrique Stevenson of Miami. They gave up the first pick of Round 5, No. 136 to make the move.

Pickens is a three technique at 6-3 5/8, 291 pounds and has good arm length at 34 3/8 inches. He also has excellent speed for a defensive tackle with 4.89-second speed in the 40-yard dash with a 1.74-second 10-yard split.

"I'm ready to learn and grow," Pickens said. "I still haven't reached my potential yet and I haven't even reached that mark. I'm ready to learn from everybody that's in the organization."

Pickens played four years at South Carolina and had 7 1/2 sacks and 11 tackles for loss with 131 total tackles. He also had four pass defenses and two fumble recoveries.

Pickens sees one area he needs to get better.

"My physicality," he said. "I'm going to bring it harder."

He added: "So I'm going to be more accountable, holding myself to a higher standard."

Dexter, picked earlier, was also a three technique and can play the one technique tackle. Pickens' speed might even invite the Bears to use him up and down the line.

Whatever way you look at it, it's obvious the Bears were unhappy with the way opponents ran on them so easily last year. They ranked next to last against the run and since free agency began they have added a handful of players who rate as bigger and more solid against the run, including Anthony Billings, DeMarcus Walker, Rasheem Green and the two rookies.

Also, both of their linebacker free agents were much larger players. T.J. Edwards weighs 242 pounds and Tremaine Edmunds 252. Last year they were playing with 232-pound Roquan Smith and 225-pound Nicholas Morrow.

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