LSU Football 2014 NFL Draft Profiles: Ego Ferguson

J.R. "Ego" Ferguson

Position: Defensive Tackle
Combine Height/Weight: 6-3, 302 pounds
LSU Listed Height/Weight: 6-3, 309
Hand Size: 10 3/4 inches
Arm Length: 32 1/2 inches
40-Yard Dash Time: 5.08
Bench-Press Reps (of 225 pounds): 24
Vertical Jump: 29.5 inches
Short Shuttle: 5.03
3-Cone Drill: 7.94
Broad Jump: 99 inches

Strengths

Active, disruptive tackle...good size/speed ratio, and knows how to use it...gets out of his stance quickly at the line and flashes good hand placement, and can stack and shed blockers...hustles in pursuit and rarely gives up on a play...versatile player that has played nose, three-tech and even some strongside defensive end...could fit in 30- or 40-front defenses...has some upside potential as a developmental prospect.

Weaknesses

Core strength doesn't match his upper body, and he can get overwhelmed in the running game at times...doesn't control double-teams well at all...his hands may be quick, but Ferguson doesn't really hammer offensive linemen with them...lacks elite measurables...was very active in tackles, but wasn't incredibly productive behind the line of scrimmage...still unrefined, with just one year of starting experience.

Verdict

There's a lot to like about Ego Ferguson. He's a high-motor tackle with an athletic build. A bit raw, but for the right staff, that could translate to a high upside. What's more, he can fit into a number of styles due to his build and experience. But he needs to get stronger, and learn to use the strength that he does have better. But the tools are in place, and he's a very solid mid-round pick for a team looking for some developmental tackles. Look for him to come off the board somewhere around the fourth or fifth round.