Bears take DL Zacch Pickens to start Round 3

The Chicago Bears selected South Carolina interior defensive lineman Zacch Pickens in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 64th overall.

The Bears prioritized the trenches on day two of the draft with the Pickens pick following the selection of Florida defensive lineman Gervon Dexter in the second round.

Pickens racked up 7.5 sacks during his stay at South Carolina.

The 3-14 Bears struggled massively on defense last season, allowing a league-worst 27.2 points per game while also ranking 31st against the run.

Pre-draft profile

Pickens has all the traits to be an impact defensive tackle at the professional level. The South Carolina product explodes off the ball with a good first step, is a fluid athlete laterally, and often beats his opponent with strength at the point of attack. Doing all that will become more challenging against NFL offensive linemen without a more consistent pad level, particularly in the run game, but that's perhaps something Pickens can work on as a rookie. Improving technique and developing a pass-rush repertoire will be the keys to making the most of his athletic profile. But the movement skills, natural power, and active hands are there. Pickens could be a steal if he lands with the right defensive line coach.