Chicago Bears Sophomore Series; Part II

In 2013, the Bears defence was ranked near the bottom in many defensive categories both in pass and run defence, however they were historically bad against the run, and last in many categories by a large margin. It was clear Phil Emery had to address the porous defence in the offseason, and the 2014 draft was where the team turned to begin the rebuild, evident in the team drafting on the defensive side of the ball in the first three rounds, with a focus on the defensive line.

As we all know, the Bears defence was amongst the leagues worst again in 2014, even after focusing solely on the defence in the offseason. Many factors led to another year of awful defence, in my opinion the most significant being the return of Mel Tucker as defensive coordinator. Now, under a competent defensive coordinator, the players brought in to help return the teams defence to glory will have a legitimate shot at proving why they were drafted in 2014. 

Sophomore Series

DT Ego Ferguson, Louisiana State , 2nd round 51st overall in 2014

2014 Season stats:  16 GP , 12 Ast, 12 Solo, 2 Sack, Pass D 3

Rookie Season Recap

There was quite a positive reaction when the Bears managed to snag Ego Ferguson in the second round of last years draft. Everyone knew the team needed to address their run defence, and adding the 6'2' 315lb DT seemed to be a step in the right direction. Ferguson was fairly quiet in his rookie season, although most of the Bears defensive lineman were (aside from Willie Young) Ferguson had an opportunity to make some noise as a rookie DT on a lack lustre line and just didn't quite seem to take advantage or manage to stand out form the crowd, which is a major concern considering the overall skill level of last years defensive unit. 

Sophomore Season Outlook

It will be a tough road ahead for Ferguson, with the drafting of stud NT Eddie Goldman in this offseason's draft, the late season emergence of Jeremiah Ratliff and the Bears switching to a 3-4 defence, his opportunity to become an anchor on Chicago's line may have passed. It is evident the new regime did not feel the crop of defensive players was good enough coming off last season, once again this the Bears brought in a plethora of new faces on the defensive side of the ball, all signs indicate they will be meaner, more aggressive and a scarier unit altogether. Based on last season, Ferguson did not show enough to prove he was an above average DT in the league, let alone the added responsibility that comes when you are asked to fill in at nose in a 3-4 scheme. One opportunity that may arise for the lineman could come in the uniqueness of Fangio's schemes, which often times have players all over the field, filling many different positions. With his size Ferguson may be more suited to rush or play end, and in the new looks Bears defence, this is an opportunity he may get. With the new defensive additions, and a defence with much more depth, it will be an uphill climb for the sophomore lineman to earn snaps at the Bears NT position competing with both Ratliff and Goldman. 

Closing Outlook

Early signs indicate Ratliff and Goldman being the Bears monsters in the middle, after that it will be a fight to earn defensive snaps in Chicago's front seven. Expect Ferguson to become a reliable backup on the d-line for the Bears, and playing an active role in the carousel front seven of Fangio's defence. Ferguson's fate may have been sealed when the Bears drafted Eddie Goldman, does he have enough fight in him to earn snaps on this new Bears defence?

Next Up: DE Will Sutton

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://beargoggleson.com/2015/01/28/key-peeles-new-east-west-bowl-sketch-hilarious-despite-packers/