The departure of Henry Melton has left a void on the Chicago Bears
defensive line. Coming into training camp the two defensive tackle positions
are wide open for the taking. Jay Ratliff and Will Sutton are the two favorites
to take the positions. Both are solid 3 techniques that can split the gap and
get into the back field on passing situations or control the gap against the
run. Ratliff is a veteran of the league and what he can do is known.
Now Sutton on the other hand is an unproven rookie out of Arizona State. He is an explosive player that has the ability to play sideline to sideline along the line of scrimmage. He does a great job of trailing the play and cutting off the cut back lanes. Sutton brings back the athleticism on the interior that was lost with the departure of Henry Melton.
The depth of this defensive line will be key to the bears success on defense. The bears were gashed on the ground last year by every team they faced. Ego Ferguson and Stephen Paea will be needed to stand strong against the run. Both are big strong bodied individuals that can play the 1 or 3 techniques. The bears need these two to clog up the middle when they are in the game. Ferguson will be able to take an extra blocker to keep the linebackers clean. Paea is a physical monster that can bull rush his way into the back field.
The defensive tackle position is the most vital position coming into this training camp. Sutton and Ratliff are the pre-camp front runners because of their versatility but do not be surprised if Paea pushes both of them for a starting spot. The bears will mix and match all four to find the best combination for each situation in the coming season.
Now Sutton on the other hand is an unproven rookie out of Arizona State. He is an explosive player that has the ability to play sideline to sideline along the line of scrimmage. He does a great job of trailing the play and cutting off the cut back lanes. Sutton brings back the athleticism on the interior that was lost with the departure of Henry Melton.
The depth of this defensive line will be key to the bears success on defense. The bears were gashed on the ground last year by every team they faced. Ego Ferguson and Stephen Paea will be needed to stand strong against the run. Both are big strong bodied individuals that can play the 1 or 3 techniques. The bears need these two to clog up the middle when they are in the game. Ferguson will be able to take an extra blocker to keep the linebackers clean. Paea is a physical monster that can bull rush his way into the back field.
The defensive tackle position is the most vital position coming into this training camp. Sutton and Ratliff are the pre-camp front runners because of their versatility but do not be surprised if Paea pushes both of them for a starting spot. The bears will mix and match all four to find the best combination for each situation in the coming season.
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