Chicago Bears Sophomore Series; Part III

No player on the Chicago Bears defence had a great season in 2014. When the team decided to keep defensive coordinator Mel Tucker on staff for another season, it foreshadowed another season of abysmal defence, and inadvertently set up the 2014 defensive draft class for a rough go in their first pro seasons. Fast forward to 2015 with a new coaching staff, new attitude and aspirations to return the Bears to their once feared defence, the now sophomore class of Chicago defenders will get their chance to show the fan base what they can really do.

Sophomore Series
Will Sutton, DE, Arizona State, 3rd round 82nd overall in 2014

2014 Stats: 15 GP, 7 Ast, 15 Solo, 2 Pass D

Rookie Season Recap
Much like his draft mate Ego Ferguson (and the entire defence), Sutton had a quiet 2014 season on a bad defence. He played 465 snaps in his first year as a pro, his role was greatly increased when Jeremiah Ratliff was forced to the bench due to injury early in the season, an opportunity which he was unable to take advantage of. Was his ineffectiveness due to scheme? or is he just a below average lineman who will be off the 53 man roster come opening day 2015?

Sophomore Season Outlook
Will Sutton will have one solid opportunity to make this team and stick in Vic Fangio's new 3-4 defence. Sutton at 6'0' 315 Lbs will be too small to play nose tackle in Fangio's defence, so he will have only one avenue to make the final 53, make the switch to end. Based on his rookie campaign this might seem like too daunting a task, however, Sutton was one of the best Bears on either side of the ball in the preseason opener vs. the dolphins, looking athletic and like a different player lining up at the five-technique.

Closing Outlook
For any returning Bears defensive player Vic Fangio's defence is either going to save them, or cause them to find work elsewhere, Will Sutton is a player poised to be saved by the new scheme. Expect him to be an active member on the carousel that will be the Chicago front seven, getting snaps at end, and putting up solid stats. If his performance in the preseason opener was any indication of what's to come, Will Sutton will be a player to watch in 2015 at his new position. Can Will Sutton earn a spot on the Bears 2015 roster, will he become a contributor on this defence, or just another depth lineman?

Next Up: S Brock Vereen

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References;
Picture sourced from: http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140928/sports/140928358/