Third-round picks usually get a longer leash than the average developmental player because of the draft capital invested. That won’t be the case for DL Jonathan Bullard, however, as the former Florida Gator was cut by the Bears Saturday.
In three seasons with the Bears, Bullard started just five games and never evolved into the every-down starter he was projected as during the 2016 NFL draft. He fell into a rotational role in 2018 with fifth-round pick Bilal Nichols, whose quicker-than-expected transition to the pro game made Bullard expendable.
Bullard’s play regressed in 2018. According to Pro Football Focus, his 61.8 season grade was a step back from his 66.6 score in 2017, which wasn’t all that great either.
Bullard’s career with the Bears ends with 46 games played, 62 tackles and two sacks.
