Bears Roster Battles: Defensive Line
2016 Roster Bubble (1): DE Ego Ferguson, DE Will Sutton, NT Terry Williams, DE Keith Browner
2014 2nd round pick Ego Ferguson is fighting for his job, He was drafted by the old regime in a pick that even the most optimistic draft gurus (myself for one), thought was a reach. Ferguson flashed some talent early last season before missing the rest of the year with a knee injury. Through two preseason games, Ego hasn’t done anything to make the Bears think he’s worth keeping. He’s been destroyed at the line of scrimmage since he joined the league, getting pancaked whenever he faces legitimate NFL lineman (The Cowboys tape was disgusting). So far Ferguson has looked like a tweener who isn’t quick enough to play the 3-tech or strong enough to play the nose tackle position. His days are numbered unless Ego can make a significant impact the next two weeks.
He’s been destroyed at the line of scrimmage since he joined the league, getting pancaked whenever he faces legitimate NFL lineman (The Cowboys 2014 tape was disgusting). So far Ferguson has looked like a tweener who isn’t quick enough to play the 3-tech or strong enough to play the nose tackle position. His days are numbered unless Ego can make a significant impact the next two weeks.
Fellow 2014 draft pick Will Sutton (3rd round 2014) has built up some credibility by showing the ability to play both nose tackle and defensive end. His quick burst off the ball and low center of gravity give Sutton the ability to generate pressure from both LE and NT and his natural ability to shed blocks make him a potential contributor at RE if needed. None of Sutton’s skills are an ideal fit anywhere in a 3-4 defensive, but his non-stop motor and the ability to at least hold his own at all three positions makes him a valuable reserve and gives him a significant edge over fellow draft-mare Ego Ferguson.
Sutton has made enough plays in the preseason so far to earn a spot as a versatile backup in multiple spots across the line. The Bears also run a significant amount of four man fronts which allows Sutton to fall back into his natural 3-tech position. He’s had plenty of injury problems, so will need to stay healthy to lock down the last D-line spot.
NT Terry Williams, “The Swamp Monster”, has trimmed down to under 320 pounds from 353 in a just a season and his new found quickness is obvious. Williams was already explosive, but with better movement skills and stamina, and 30 pounds less of overall mass this year the Swamp Monster could potentially be a force backing up Goldman at nose tackle. Williams flashed some skill at nose tackle last week, leading a goal line stop on Lagerrette Blount. He is a classic NT and would allow the Bears chances to keep Goldman fresh if Williams can be productive in short stretches. That could be enough to keep him around on the 3-man roster.
DE Keith Browner is a bit of an unknown, but made two quality plays on the line of scrimmage in his first preseason action,including an athletic play to stuff a Pats 2-point conversion. Browner has good size (6’4, 295), bloodlines that include four of his uncles who played in the NFL, none more famous than Vikings safety Ross Browner.
Browner didn’t show much in three-plus years with the Texans (3 starts) but with the Bears has flashed the ability to penetrate and finish plays near the line of scrimmage. He is a long shot to contribute with the Bears this year, but his experience and four years of NFL knowledge could be valuable to the Bears young defensive line.
Predictions
Bubble player who makes the roster (1) – DE/DT Will Sutton
Practice Squad (1) -NT Terry Williams
Released (2) -DE Ego Ferguson, DE Keith Browner
*Both Ferguson and Browner have practice squad eligibility and if no team signs them after getting waived then both players could end up there. I’d bet money some team takes a chance on former 2014 2nd round pick Ferguson, while Browner might be looking elsewhere for a spot on a 53-man roster after four years in the league.
D-linemen on the Final 53-man Roster (6): NT Eddie Goodman, DE Akiem Hicks, DE Jonathan Bullard (R), DE Cornelius Washington, DE Mitch Unrein, DE/NT Will Sutton