From Walter Football:
Summary: LSU has been a factory for NFL defensive talent, and Ferguson is their top lineman for the 2014 NFL Draft. Ferguson is a fast disruptor who is also strong at the point of attack. Like many Tiger draft prospects, Ferguson has a rare combination of size, power and speed.
It took a while for Ferguson to get on the field for LSU. In his first two seasons, he had other tackles ahead of him like Michael Brockers, Bennie Logan and Anthony Johnson. Ferguson was a backup in 2012 and totaled 14 tackles. He was a reserve as redshirt freshman as well in 2011, notching 13 tackles.
Ferguson won a starting spot next to Johnson in 2013 with Logan and Brockers in the NFL. Everybody expected Johnson to have a breakout season and be a dominant force for the LSU defense, but it was Ferguson who made the biggest impact up front. The redshirt junior started out hot, but cooled off some down the stretch. He recorded 58 tackles with 3.5 tackles for a loss and a sack. He was impressive against Alabama. Ferguson decided to enter the 2014 NFL Draft, but would have had a shot at the first round in 2015 by returning to school and getting better.
Ferguson uses his great get-off and explosion to cause disruption off the snap. He is strong for his size and holds his ground in run defense. Ferguson has good speed to close and does a nice job of pushing the pocket.
Ferguson is a nice mold of clay for the NFL. He has a skill set, but needs developing. Ferguson needs to build up a repertoire of pass-rushing moves. He needs to avoid playing too high and maintaing good pad level. With his size, strength and speed, Ferguson could end up being a steal in the 2014 NFL Draft if he lands with good coaching.
His best fit would come in a 4-3 defense as a three technique defensive tackle, but he could also play nose tackle. In a 3-4 defense, Ferguson could play end, but that isn't as good of a match for what he does well. Sources have told WalterFootball.com that Ferguson has been graded as high as the second round.
