Bears Depth Chart: Nose Tackle

In the Bears 3-4 defensive scheme, the nose tackle anchors the middle of the Bears three-man defensive front. It did seem a little too exclusive of a title though as the Bears ran plenty of four-man fronts last year and there will be a need for defensive tackles who can do more than just take on double teams.

Regardless of the complexities of the Bears defense, I’ve going to focus this depth chart article on the nose tackle position as that is a starting role in the Bears base scheme.

Like I did with the quarterback position, I’ll give a high-level overview of the current Bears at the position, highlight potential battles for both starting roles and roster spots and point out a few players to watch.

Depth Chart: Nose Tackle

Overview:

Like at quarterback there is little doubt who the starting nose tackle will be for the Chicago Bears in 2016. Last year’s 2nd round pick Eddie Goldman exceeded expectations and was a veritable force by the end of his rookie season.

Goldman was a  projected first round pick by most sites (I had him going to the Packers in round 1, whew) but slipped due to the fact that many teams though he was a one-dimensional run-stuffer. Goldman proved his critics wrong with 4.5 sacks in just 12 games despite rarely playing in passing situations.

As expected Goldman was solid against the run, but his pass rushing ability was a pleasant surprise. His quick first step off the ball allowed him to beat single-blocks consistently and generate pressure inside. Even when doubled, Goldman showed the strength to collapse the pocket and force the quarterback out of his comfort zone.

It was only one season and Goldman will have to play as well if not better before I’m convinced the Bears have a true force at the nose tackle position, but based on his play as a rookie the Bears have a potential Pro Bowl player anchoring the middle of their 3-4 defense.

The Bears don’t have any other true nose tackles on the roster except for one of my favorite players, Terry Williams aka The Swamp Monster. I had Williams graded as a 5th-6th round pick going into the 2015 NFL Draft, but he slipped out of the draft completely. The Bears brought him in on a rookie mini-camp tryout and he made the team before being released during final cuts.

The Bears re-signed Williams to their practice squad and he has a legit shot to make the team this year as Goldman’s primary back-up at nose tackle. He’s an explosive player, but with significant weight issues, off-field question marks, and lacks the versatility to play anywhere but nose tackle.

Depending on how many defensive linemen the Bears keep, they may not want to spend a roster spot on a player who can only play one position and only for a few snaps at time. If they decide that Williams is too one-dimensional, they may try to use veteran Mitch Unrein or unproven Ego Ferguson as back-ups at the nose tackle position. Free agent Akiem Hicks is the only other player on the roster with the size (6’5, 324) to handle the position on a regular basis, but he’s needed elsewhere.

Position Battle:

None. It’s Goldman’s job

Roster Battle:

Williams vs Ferguson

The Bears got by with just one true nose tackle last season and they could probably do it again, but it would be nice to have a true nose tackle to keep Goldman fresh. The Bears have enough veteran d-linemen with size (Hicks, Goldman, Unrein) to make due, but those players could be better utilized elsewhere. Hicks and Unrein’s jobs are secure on the roster, but Ferguson’s might not be and a roster spot could come down to who is more valuable to the Bears between Williams and Ferguson.

Terry Williams (6’1, 322) – The fact that Williams’ is listed on the Bears website at 322 pounds is a good sign as he was 353 pounds at this time last year. Keeping his weight under control is a make or break deal for Williams’ chances of staying on the Bears roster.

At 350 plus Williams was good for a few plays at a time and then long stretches of trying to catch his breath. He’s a ridiculous athlete even at 350 pounds with the strength to blow up double teams, enough explosion off the ball to be disruptive in the backfield, and the ability to chase down ball carriers for a few plays at least.

If a slimmer Williams can play with the same burst and strength over an extended number of snaps, he could have real value to the Bears as both a run-stopper and a pocket collapser. He also had his share of off-field red flags at East Carolina, but when matched up against top competition like Virginia Tech and North Carolina, Williams was almost unstoppable. There is no doubting his talent level, but whether “The Swamp Monster” can keep his weight under control and stay out of trouble is a legitimate question

Ego Ferguson (6’2, 309) – If the same player shows up that did last year, then this is Williams job in a rout. Ferguson had a hard time staying on his feet as a rookie, getting pancaked more than any 300+ plus player should. The Dallas game in particular, he was manhandled by their elite o-line.

Ferguson has had a year to get stronger, but part of that year was spent recovering from a knee injury. On the positive side, Ferguson was drafted in the 2nd round for a reason. He’s an elite athlete for his size with the strength, athleticism, and raw talent to be a force on the d-line.

Ferguson is a good fit for the Bears 4-tech position, the same one they just drafted Jonathon Bullard to play, but is one of the few players on the team who can also be an impact player at the nose tackle position.

The Ferguson / Bullard / Unrein battle for the 3rd starting d-line position will be covered in detail in a future article, but of those players Ferguson is the only one with the size and talent to be a legitimate back-up to Eddie Goldman at NT.

Prediction:

The Swamp Monster wins a spot on the final 53-man roster as the Bears primary back-up at nose tackle. It’s his natural position and he has flashed the ability to be really good at it when he has his stamina. Williams bursts off the ball so low to the ground, that he can destroy double teams and disrupt both run and pass plays. With Goldman playing the majority of snaps, Williams could play a limited number of snaps and be productive while spelling Goldman.

I can’t say the same for Ferguson, who struggled to handle double-teams as a rookie. The Bears have a need at defensive end as well and I think that is where Goldman fits better. He can be disruptive as a 4-tech without having to add or lose any weight. His explosiveness off the ball and ability to win 1-1 battles is a much better fit as the Bears left DE, than it is as a nose tackle.

I could see the Bears scouring the waiver wire for an experienced nose tackle as an upgrade over either player, but I’ve been a fan of Williams since his days with the EC Pirates and would like to see him get a chance on the big stage. I think Williams wins the back nose tackle job, but Ferguson makes the team as well as a rotational defensive line.

Player to Watch:

Terry Williams