Breaking News: First-Year Struggles Put Three Bears Rookies on the Chopping Block – Shocking Details Revealed
Noah Sewell, LB
The 2023 NFL season was a mixed experience for Noah Sewell. The former Oregon linebacker appeared in 13 games but spent most of his time on special teams, playing 270 snaps compared to the 27 he saw on defense.
As a result of the lack of consistent playing time, Sewell’s rookie numbers just don’t pop out. He only registered nine total tackles (just 4 solo) with a forced fumble and finished with a PFF defensive grade of 63.5 or worse in four of the five games where he saw snaps on defense.
It’s truly tough to say what the future looks like for Sewell. On one hand, he’s only 22 years old and could benefit from a higher defensive snap count. On the other hand, the coaching staff might not think he did enough to warrant a bigger role on defense. Depending on how the offseason unfolds and if more LBs are brought in, he could be stuck in the same role — or worse — in 2024.
Hopefully, Sewell can rediscover what made him a decently-touted prospect before it’s too late.
the lack of experience played a factor in the Bears going 7-10 and missing the playoffs for the 11th time since 2011.
While rookies like Roschon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Darnell Wright were bright spots throughout the season, other first-year players left much to be desired. If these struggling youngsters don’t turn things around quickly and have a strong offseason, their 2024 roster spot could be in jeopardy.
Here are three Bears rookies who are on thin ice following their first season.
Tyler Scott, WR
The Bears owned the NFL’s worst aerial attack in 2022, averaging a putrid 130.5 passing yards per game. Improving the passing game was a major point last season, resulting in the franchise using a fourth-round pick on Cincinnati wideout Tyler Scott.
There was good reason to be excited about Scott following a 2022 college season that saw him rack up career highs in receptions (54), receiving yards (899), and touchdowns (9). But much to Bears fans’ dismay, the Akron, OH native couldn’t replicate those results in the NFL.
Appearing in all 17 games with four starts, Scott tallied 17 receptions for 168 yards and 10 first downs without an interception. He wasn’t exactly a reliable target for the Bears quarterbacks, highlighted by his two drops, 53.1% catch percentage, and 55.2 passer rating when targeted.
Scott is only 22 years old, so there’s plenty of time for him to grow and improve. At the same time, he could find himself further down the depth charts if the Bears want a free-agent WR or incoming rookie to take his spot.
Zacch Pickens, DT
Despite suiting up in each of the Bears’ 17 games, rookie defensive tackle Zacch Pickens didn’t see much playing time. The former South Carolina defender was limited to only 25% of defensive snaps and 4% of special teams opportunities.
Although Pickens tallied 20 combined tackles, only nine were solo efforts. He also only recorded 0.5 sacks with a defended pass and a forced fumble. Furthermore, the ex-Gamecock missed a whopping 9.1% of his tackling attempts and finished with a 44.1 run defense grade on Pro Football Focus — third-worst among Chicago defenders who played at least 100 snaps against the run.
Considering how the Bears were the No. 1 team against the run in 2023 and newly-hired defensive coordinator Eric Washington will likely want to keep that momentum going. If Pickens can’t pick up the pace and play at a world-class level, his time in the Windy City might not last long.
Noah Sewell, LB
The 2023 NFL season was a mixed experience for Noah Sewell. The former Oregon linebacker appeared in 13 games but spent most of his time on special teams, playing 270 snaps compared to the 27 he saw on defense.
As a result of the lack of consistent playing time, Sewell’s rookie numbers just don’t pop out. He only registered nine total tackles (just 4 solo) with a forced fumble and finished with a PFF defensive grade of 63.5 or worse in four of the five games where he saw snaps on defense.
It’s truly tough to say what the future looks like for Sewell. On one hand, he’s only 22 years old and could benefit from a higher defensive snap count. On the other hand, the coaching staff might not think he did enough to warrant a bigger role on defense. Depending on how the offseason unfolds and if more LBs are brought in, he could be stuck in the same role — or worse — in 2024.
Hopefully, Sewell can rediscover what made him a decently-touted prospect before it’s too late.