With the 64th overall pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Zacch Pickens, defensive tackle from the University of South Carolina.
College
Pickens was a five-star recruit coming out of South Carolina, and was rated the No. 1 defensive tackle in the country. During Pickens’ freshman season in 2019, he played in 12 games, although started zero of them. He finished the season with 16 total tackles. In 2020, Pickens appeared in 10 games and started seven. Pickens recorded 35 total tackles and one sack. Pickens really broke out during his junior season: after playing and starting in all 13 games, Pickens ended the season with 38 total tackles, four sacks, and one pass deflected. During 2022, Pickens finished his senior season with 42 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, three passes deflected, and one fumble recovery. He was voted Most Outstanding Senior as well as the MVP of the defense. Pickens was awarded with All-SEC Academic Honors in each of his seniors.
Strengths
Pickens has great size, weighing in at about 300 pounds and a height of 6’4. His size and length have given Pickens a great advantage on the interior. Furthermore, Pickens is agile and quick off the snap. He uses his quickness and size to penetrate his opponents and win off the snap. Pickens has powerful hands, solid leg power, and great field-awareness.
Weaknesses
Similar to second round pick defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr., Pickens underperformed and was inconsistent in college. His biggest weakness is the pass rush – he has limited moves and is inconsistent on contact (In regards to pad level). Furthermore, Pickens struggles greatly with a double team. Once again, his technique is limited and Pickens is frequently pushed back by his opponents.
The Future
Nevertheless, just as with Dexter, Pickens has sky-high potential. Pickens brings a lot to the table as an interior linemen, a position the Bears desperately need help on. General Manager Ryan Poles stated “Like I say, there’s a level of multiplier where they can help other people as well, free other individuals up to make plays. Those guys have those pieces.” in reference to Pickens and Dexter. Pickens still has a lot to prove, but he has all the skills to become a monster defensive tackle for the Bears. He is already a great fit into the 3-technique defense that Head Coach Matt Eberflus loves. Zacch Pickens can help bulk up this defense and bring the Bears defensive line back to its former glory.
