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/

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

Follow @ByrneMGL

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