Chicago Bears: 3 Prospects to avoid in 2019 NFL Draft
3. Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE, Louisiana Tech
The NCAA’s all-time sack leader with a career mark of 45, Jaylon Ferguson, does not belong on the Bears’ big board. Ferguson is the perfect example of a player that was able to take advantage of lesser competition, but he was unable to do the same against that elevated level of play.
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Ferguson showed his lack of athleticism and bend in his pro day a few weeks ago, and he went plummeting down draft boards. He likely fell off a few more.
Based off his college production at Louisiana Tech, Ferguson will likely get drafted far higher than he should. One statistic that I find particularly telling for pass-rushers is the number of fumbles that they force. It shows a level of intelligence to make a play even if they aren’t going to get to the sack. In four seasons as a starter where he was in the backfield often, Ferguson forced just seven fumbles. For reference, consensus first-round pick Josh Allen forced five last season alone.
If Ferguson is able to slide deep into the sixth round of the draft, he could be a player that was worth selecting. However, the Bears would have to reach for him in the fifth as they don’t possess a sixth-round pick right now. While the Bears could afford to add another edge defender to their rotation, Ferguson just doesn’t fit their mold with how he plays.