Bilal Nichols

A two-year starter at Delaware, Nichols made an efficient transition to nose tackle as a senior as first-year head coach Danny Rocco introduced the 3-4 scheme. Over the last six seasons, he has converted from linebacker to defensive end to defensive tackle and ultimately to the nose in 2017, displaying the work ethic and versatility to fill various roles on defense. Nichols, who has played his home games in Newark, Delaware the last eight seasons, looked natural as a two-gapper, flashing the power, anchor and instincts to stack, shed and make plays on inside runs. He is raw as a pass rusher and needs to improve his technique, especially as a finisher, to win battles vs. NFL offensive linemen. BACKGROUND: A no-star defensive end recruit out of high school, Bilal (bu-lahl) Nichols, who was raised by his grandparents in Chester, Pa., starred in basketball and football at Hodgson Vo-Tech in Newark, just down the road from the University of Delaware. He moved from linebacker to defensive end as a senior and recorded 57 tackles, 26.0 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks, leading the team to the 2013 Delaware Division-II state title – also earned First Team all-state as a tight end on offense with seven touchdown grabs. Nichols received recruiting attention from northeast FBS programs like Maryland, Rutgers and Boston College, but no offers arrived, choosing nearby Delaware over Bucknell, James Madison and Monmouth. He signed as a defensive end, but shifted inside to defensive tackle where he tallied 19 tackles as a reserve true freshman in 2014. Nichols earned his first career start as a sophomore, finishing the 2015 season with 29 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, earning Third Team All-CAA honors. He started nine games as a junior and recorded 25 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and five passes defended, earning Second Team All-CAA honors. Nichols had his best season as a senior (11 starts) with 56 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and five passes defended, earning First Team All-CAA and All-American honors. He accepted his invitation to the 2018 East-West Shrine Game and was a late call-up to the 2018 Senior Bowl.

in our view

Nichols is a raw pass rusher and lacks distinguishing traits, but his versatile skill-set and body type gives him a chance to earn a roster spot, projecting best as a one-technique or nose tackle.

strengths

Moldable body type with low body fat and adequate length…stacks the point of attack, using leverage and forceful hands to shed…tracks well with a natural GPS for the ball, making plays on inside runs…flashes a closing burst once he has a path to the ballcarrier…maintains his balance through congestion…displays a feel for down blocks…competes with relentless hustle…humble, well-mannered individual, but flips a mean switch on the field…one career blocked kick…senior captain…graduated with a degree in sociology (Jan. 2018)…started elementary school early and graduated high school at 17 years old…versatile experience across the defensive line in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme.

weaknesses

Doesn’t fire into blockers and lacks ammo in his punch…reactionary player…marginal range and rarely made plays down the line of scrimmage on tape…lacks lower body flexibility…must improve his reliability as a finisher, allowing ballcarriers to bounce off his contact…limited upfield penetrator…active hands, but inconsistent using his length…technique is still a work-in-progress…missed one game over his career due to a left leg injury (Sept. 2016) – pulled his hamstring on his second 40-yard dash attempt at the Scouting Combine and didn’t participate in any other drills…faced an ACC opponent each of his four seasons in college, but majority of his experience came vs. FCS-level competition.

All-State tight end and defensive end at nearby Hodgson Vo-Tech High School

played for head coach Frank Moffett, who played defensive back at Delaware in the 1980s

team captain

first team All-State at tight end and third team at defensive end in 2013

All-Blue Hen Conference first team tight end and second team defensive end in 2013 and second team linebacker in 2012

led team to a three-year record of 33-5, three conference titles, and a 2013 Delaware Division II state title

team went 12-2 in 2013 and defeated St. George's Vo-Tech 38-0 at Delaware Stadium for the title

team went 11-2 and was state runner-up in 2012

caught 13 passes for 326 yards and seven touchdowns as a senior and recorded 57 tackles, including 11 sacks and 26 tackles for loss

honor roll student all four years

two-time Academic All-State selection.

Bilal (“bu-lahl”) Shakur Nichols

sociology major at Delaware with a minor in human services

born Sept. 14, 1996

son of Adova and Dolores Bolton

has a younger sister, Neajah Nichols

hobbies include playing basketball, listening to music, and collecting sneakers

was featured by media outlets several times during 2015 season for his unique relationship with his grandparents who raised him.