Ego Ferguson NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for Chicago Bears DT

Ego Ferguson, DT, LSU (HT: 6’3”, WT: 315 lbs)

Chicago Bears

Second Round: 51st Pick 

NFL Comparison: Mike Martin, DT, Tennessee Titans

Height	Weight	Arm	Hand
6030	315	32 1/4"	10 3/4"

40-yd dash	10-yd split	Vert	Broad	3-Cone	Bench
DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	DNP	24

Positives

• Exceptional run defender, stout at the point of attack. Sits down in holes and demonstrates good anchor strength.
• Able to occupy gaps, can either one- or two-gap. Is capable of holding his ground against double-teams. Can park in the A-gap and clog running lanes.
• Built like a 1-tech or nose tackle at 6’3”, 315 pounds, with a thick lower body and naturally low center of gravity.
• Fires off the ball and displays good leverage. Good snap anticipation.
• Can control opponents and make tackles while being blocked.
• His ability to anchor and occupy blockers allows teammates to make plays.
• Big and powerful, so it can be hard to redirect his momentum. Keeps his feet moving on contact and does a nice job of squaring his shoulders and waist to the ball.
• Appears to locate the ball well and puts himself in position to make an impact. Capable of stacking and moving down the line.
• Strong upper body, can rip blockers given the right hand placement and move toward the ball. Flashes a powerful punch.
• Shows enough agility to cross opponents and gain access to the backfield.
• Skill set is that of a natural 1-tech, but he could bulk up and play nose tackle in a 3-4.
• Can hit ball-carriers with a lot of force.
• Played in several spots on the LSU interior, logging snaps at nose tackle, 1-tech and 3-tech.
• Gives a good effort on the field and will continue pursuit downfield or to the sideline.

Negatives

• Does not offer much as a pass-rusher, is not especially quick to shoot gaps and does not display counter moves.
• Very limited in pursuit due to a lack of foot speed and change-of-direction ability.
• Relatively short arms for his position, measuring just 32.25” at the NFL Scouting Combine.
• Lack of length makes it difficult to shed blocks in a timely manner and make a consistent impact in the backfield. Struggles against long-limbed opponents.
• Must keep his feet underneath him, occasionally overextends and can be thrown to the ground.
• Was a rotational tackle for most of his college career, started just one season.
• May have declared for the draft prematurely as a junior, could have been better served returning to school for another year.
• Likely will fit into a rotation at the next level, coming off the field on non-running downs.
• Very little production during his college career, finished his time at LSU with only five tackles for loss and one sack.

Year	Team	Tackles	TFL	Sacks	FF	PD
2011	LSU	13	0.5	0.0	0	1
2012	LSU	14	1.0	0.0	0	1
2013	LSU	58	3.5	1.0	0	3

Personal Notes

• Honorable mention All-SEC 2013
• Missed the Outback Bowl due to medical reasons
• Redshirted 2010
• Sports administration major

Ratings Chart

nces.ed.gov

Overall

While often overshadowed by his LSU teammates, Ego Ferguson proved to be an invaluable cog in the middle of the Tigers' stifling defense. A stout run defender capable of occupying gaps and controlling blockers, his impact allows others to make plays. He projects as a good rotational 1-tech but could also bulk up and assume a nose tackle role in a three-man front.

Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round