Ego Ferguson: Chicago Bears Roster Preview
The beginning of the regular season is just ahead for the Chicago Bears. As we approach the September 13th season opener, we will do a roster preview of each Bears’ player heading into the season. Next up on the list, big defensive tackle Ego Ferguson.
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After a very successful, even at times dominant college career at LSU, the Chicago Bears selected Ferguson in the 2nd round (51st overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-3, 315 pounds coming out of college, Ferguson was primarily considered a strong force against the run. He had a little bit of quickness and athleticism, but Ferguson’s strength was clearly as a powerful run stuffer.
While he did not see any starts as a rookie in 2014, Ferguson appeared in all 16 of the Bears’ games. He was credited with 12 tackles and two sacks on the season. Ferguson appeared to have plenty of strength and size to compete with the big boys inside.
What to Expect from Ego Ferguson in 2015
Now this is the exciting part. We all know that under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Bears are transitioning to a 3-4 defense this season. That means Fangio’s physical and aggressive “30 defensive front” will be on display.
Ferguson probably has the body type to handle his share of nose tackle duties in Fangio’s defense, but this year’s second-round pick Eddie Goldman figures to take a lot of the snaps at that position. Ferguson would help the Bears most by trimming down a bit, getting quicker and filling in as at one of the defensive end positions.
Luckily, Ferguson seems to be working well towards that goal. He recently spoke with Beth Gorr of Bear Report, where Ferguson stated that he began his off-season training regimen with Bears’ coaches, “pretty much right after the regular season ended.”
"“I wanted to become more agile,” Ferguson told Gorr. “I hoped to develop more mobility, more strength. I wanted to play faster, play harder this year. That was and is my goal.”"
Ferguson also says in Gorr’s report that he has lost 10 pounds this off season, and feels faster on the field.
"“My overall quickness has improved. My reaction time is better. I feel more comfortable in lateral moves. Forward speed has a real burst now. That is pretty much the result I was hoping for when I decided to work this hard during the offseason.”"
He was already a very disruptive player with impressive and obvious power. If Ferguson has truly trimmed down and adds more explosiveness and quickness to his game, he has incredible upside going forward in Fangio’s defense.
With the Ray McDonald mess now behind them, the Bears have plenty of playing time at the defensive end position. If Ferguson can nail one of those spots down, the Bears’ defensive line is going to be in pretty good shape.
Ferguson is a talented player who has incredible upside in Fangio’s attacking style of defense, especially if his improved quickness and explosiveness holds true.