Pickens on potential of playing multiple positions, going against Jenkins in camp |
LAKE FOREST, I.L. - The Chicago Bears only drafted one defensive player in the 2024 NFL Draft. While that was surprising to some, part of the reason for this was probably the defensive talent they drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, including defensive lineman Zacch Pickens out of South Carolina.
Pickens was drafted in the third round. As a rookie, he appeared in all 17 games last season. However, he did not make much of an impact as he only had 0.5 sacks and 20 total tackles last season. He is looking to make a sophomore leap this season. As part of that goal, he has already identified some areas where he struggled last season and is improving on those points. “Get offs and having a rush plan. Last year, I struggled with, I guess, identifying if it was run or pass. This year, I’m doing a little bit better,” Pickens said. “Everybody in the d-line room, we’ve been working (to) get better, getting to the quarterback, working together, having schemes to be better, rushing as one.” There has been a lot of talk about fellow 2023 rookie defensive lineman, Gervon Dexter, who made more of an impact last season. Despite all the talk about Dexter, Pickens is also getting a lot of opportunities to work against the starting offense and has been playing in numerous different positions during training camp to help build his football IQ. “I’m getting a lot more opportunities at different spots, at the three and the nose. So, it’s been fun playing around in different spots to get a good feeling and just to play fast,” Pickens said. “Wherever they want me at, I’m going to be at. Wherever they want me, I’m there. So, I can do anything they want me to do. So, when they tell me to do it, I’m just going to do it.” So far, he has been practicing against starting offensive guard Teven Jenkins. Jenkins has been a bright spot on Chicago’s offensive line since 2021, although he has struggled with injuries throughout his NFL career. Still, getting work with a starter like Jenkins is a valuable experience for Pickens. “Right now, I’m going against Teven. Me and Teven have been going back and forth. He (challenges) me. I challenge him. We both (make) each other better,” Pickens said. “He always (gives) me pointers to help me, and I give him pointers too.” A lot has changed from his rookie season to now. Besides all the changes on the offense with new receivers, a new running back, a new offensive coordinator, and a new quarterback, the league also changed a few of its rules. While the kickoff rule change has been discussed the most, less attention has been given to the league now allowing players to wear the guardian cap during preseason and regular season games as another way to prioritize safety. However, Pickens will not be wearing one. “Safety first always. I won’t be wearing it,” Pickens said. “But, I (liked) the option that we could if we needed to because safety is everything and nobody plays the game as hard as we go. So, having that just to make everything safe, I like it.” Preseason reps are incredibly important for a young player like Pickens, who is looking to continue his development. However, he did not appear in Chicago’s preseason opener against the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame game. He could make his debut in their next preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 10 (Noon / NFL Network), against the Buffalo Bills.
