When Jonathan Bostic was drafted out of the University of Florida in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft, many in Chicago believed he would be the next best linebacker adding to a long history of great players for the Chicago Bears at the position. However, Bostic’s career has not started off in the way that he, the organization, or fans could have hoped for, it’s been a slow-moving journey during his first two years in the league.
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While the play or stats may not be where many expected, Bostic hasn’t been a wash either. In two seasons in the league, he’s compiled 141 combined tackles (87 last season), four passes defended, two sacks, and one interception. Of all the mentioned numbers, his tackle increase is most notable as he is finding a way to be around the ball at all times.
Entering year three with plenty of room to grow and a new defensive scheme, Bostic could be a perfect fit for the Bears defense. With a new defensive coordinator in Vic Fangio who had great success in his time with the San Francisco 49ers, Bostic should be excited for what’s to come in 2015. He’s athletic, he can run back into coverage, and let’s not forget how hard he hits.
Just in recent memory, Fangio has had ridiculous success in coaching several linebackers like Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, and Chris Borland to name a few. With Bostic’s potential still high and plenty of room to grow, he could join the list of great young linebackers to thrive with Fangio.
As you look for Jon Bostic to grow under Fangio, it won’t just be because of his new scheme, the linebackers surrounding him will also be a huge factor. With the new 3-4 scheme LaMarr Houston, Jared Allen, and the newly-signed Pernell McPhee are expected to be rotating at the outside linebacker position and having all of three create havoc could lead to more opportunities for Bostic.
Even more contributing factors to Bostic’s season will be both Mason Foster and second-year linebacker Christian Jones who played very well last season after being undrafted. Foster comes over from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he totaled 344 tackles since entering the league in 2011.
Christian Jones will present a challenge for Bostic as they battle out what should be an entertaining training camp competition, but the production has been there for No. 57.
As Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, the team is still waiting to see what he can do as he recovers from a back injury that kept him out of OTAs. The 3-4 scheme doesn’t present more challenges for Bostic, it creates more opportunities.
He’ll have veterans to work around him, a defensive coordinator who will bring out the best of him and competition ready to take his spot if he leaves it up for grabs. With all those as factors, look for Jon Bostic to be a huge part of the Bears defense in 2015.
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