Dec 4, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) is tackled by Chicago Bears inside linebacker Jon Bostic (57) during the second half at Soldier Field. Dallas won 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has quite a rebuilding project on his hands. In the next phase of our Chicago Bears Roster Review, we look at the players who are currently on the Bears roster. We’ll look back at their 2014 season and look ahead to how they might fit into the team’s plans in 2015.
Jon Bostic/LB/Age 23
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At Florida, Jon Bostic was the quintessential run-stuffing linebacker. I’ve watched him abuse offensive linemen, and by watching him play, you can tell he loves contact. To say I had high hopes for Bostic coming into the league would be quite an understatement. Sadly, since being drafted by the Bears in 2013, his production’s been.. so-so? I guess. But he, like Lamarr Houston and Jeremiah Ratliff, are going to benefit greatly from the Bears transition to a 3-4
His 2014 season, along with, well, everyone else, was second-rate. He finished with 58 tackles and three passes defended. But that’s not entirely on Bostic. The sheer predictability of Mel Tucker’s defense would probably stunt the growth of Luke Keuchly. The defensive line (aside from Young and Paea) played like garbage last year, thus forcing Bostic to attempt to make plays out of position. But more importantly, Bostic isn’t a scheme fit. His athleticism is a bit limited, and he’s best suited as a run-stopping linebacker in a 3-4.
We have to give him a pass for his first couple of seasons in Chicago. There is absolutely no way a young linebacker could succeed given the defense the Bears had the past two years. In fact, let’s just forget the entire defense during the Marc Trestman era. I see marked improvement coming from Bostic next year, as he’s probably going to be playing his natural position. When you combine that with a major upgrade in coaching to help aid development Bostic’s future could be bright.