Chicago Bears 2015 Position Preview: Defensive End
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Projected Reserves
Will Sutton
On paper Sutton might be the worst fit for the Bears new 3-4 scheme of all the Bears returning D-lineman. He was fairly useless as a rookie with negative grades against the run (-3.7) and as a pass rusher (-7.6) despite getting more playing time then expected (465 snaps). There is hope for Sutton still. In his junior year Sutton played at around 280 pounds and was an explosive pass rusher (13 sacks). His burst off the ball and solid hand work could make Sutton a decent fit for the LE position in Fangio’s scheme, if he can regain his junior year athleticism. Unfortunately, someone convinced Sutton that he needed to gain weight to be effective at the next level, so he played his senior year at over 300 pounds and lost the athleticism to get to the QB. Sutton was still effective his senior year (Pac-12 Co-Defensive Player), but as a run stopper instead of a pass rusher. At 300-ish pounds Sutton isn’t explosive enough to generate a pass rush and isn’t strong enough to be a run stuffer against NFL O-linemen. That leaves him without a natural position in Fangio’s 3-4 scheme and puts his roster spot in jeopardy. Though if Sutton can lose 10-15 pounds and regain the burst he showed as a junior, he has a shot to contribute at the LE position.
Olsen Pierre
After ignoring the defensive end position in the draft, the Bears signed Pierre as a priority undrafted free agent to bolster their depth at the position. Pierre had lackluster stats at Miami, but most 5-tech DEs are tasked with taking on two blockers and freeing up linebackers to make plays. In Fangio’s scheme with the Niners, right end Justin Smith consistently occupied 2 blockers which freed up OLB Aldon Smith to harass QBs. The Bears don’t have many players on the roster with the size and strength to disrupt two blockers, but Pierre has that type of potential. He has ideal size for the position (6’5 | 300), good strength at the point of attack, and uses his hands well to separate from blockers and attack ball carriers. Despite his prowess as a run stopper, Pierre is an absolute non-factor as a pass rusher. He has little to no lateral mobility either so is only useful when players run through his gaps, but Pierre has the potential to at least lock down the right side of the defensive line against the run. The Bears run defense has been so bad the last two seasons, that if Pierre makes the squad he could see some snaps on obvious run plays and in short-yardage situations.