Bears Depth Chart: Defensive End

Jonathan Bullard:

As a rookie, he has the most to learn about the Bears defensive scheme, but he’s arguably the best fit for the position (unless Washington is finally healthy). Bullard was a 3rd round pick who was projected to go somewhere between the late first and early second round. Personally, I had him graded 41st overall, but the Bears got him with the 72nd pick which seems like a steal.

Bullard has the size (6’3, 283) to handle double-teams, but he excels at getting off the line quickly and beating the blocker lined up in front of him making him an ideal fit for the left DE role. His sack total increased every season at Florida and his quick first step should generate some pressure inside, which was solely lacking last season.

He can anchor against double-teams and get his long arms in the passing lanes when he does. Bullard will need to utilize his quick first step and cause problems in opposing backfields if he’s going to win the starting job. He was one of the best run stoppers in the SEC last year, which should at least guarantee playing time on obvious running downs but I think Bullard is capable of much more than that.

Ego Ferguson: 

If the same Ferguson shows up this year that did during his rookie season, then not only will he lose the battle for the starting DE job but be may not even make the team. Ferguson had a hard time staying on his feet as a rookie, getting pancaked more than any 300+ pound player should. During 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, He was raw coming out of college but he flashed NFL talent in college football’s best conference at just 21.years old.

He came out of LSU a year earlier than he should have and was a raw as expected, but the talent is there for Ferguson to be a difference maker on the defensive line. At LSU he displayed the ability to win 1-1 match-ups, shed his blocker to make plays, and generate interior pressure on QBs. His skills weren’t polished enough in college to finish plays, but Ferguson put plenty of pressure on opposing QBs.

If he’s 100% healthy he should give Bullard a run for his money at the starting DE position. Ferguson has the talent to be a force against both the run and the pass, he just needs to improve his ability to anchor against double teams, and develop a few pass rush moves to utilize his elite athleticism.

Next: More Defensive End Options