NEWSLETTER
When the Chicago Bears drafted Javon Wims in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft, it was easy to suggest the team might have unearthed an overlooked diamond-in-the-rough type.
Wims has the size (6-3, 215 pounds) and athleticism (4.53 40-yard-dash, 33.5 vertical) to be a steady NFL wideout. Pro Football Focus thought highly enough of Wims to rank him among the top-100 draft-eligible prospects.
At first glance, Wims looks like a go-up-and-get-it (GUAGI!) type and his highlight reel (some of which you can check out here) suggests he can be just that. Wims’ ability to shield defenders while positioning himself to make catches and come away with his share of jump balls could make him an asset for the Bears offense sooner, rather than later. Just don’t think that’s the only thing he can do:
Bears 7th-round pick WR Javon Wims: “I’m not just a jump ball guy. I can do many different things. … I can take the top off, I can catch short passes.” pic.twitter.com/rvDmzR5DUy
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) May 13, 2018
Bears rookie 7th rounder WR Javon Wims at 6’4” says don’t typecast me. “I’m not just a jump ball guy.” pic.twitter.com/9KgrYFyLCr
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) May 13, 2018
The wide receivers room has been overhauled in the offseason, and has become quite crowded. There are 13 receivers currently on the Bears’ 90-man roster, and only three played snaps for Chicago last season. Competition is expected to be fierce at a position where the Bears figure to carry as many as six players. In short, Wims will need to hone his other skills if he wants to make the Week 1 roster and do so while making an impact.
It’s quite possible that Wims could have (and arguably, should have) gone earlier in the draft based on his measurables and big-play ability. And if he can add to those skills by being a more well-rounded route-runner, then he could prove to be the late-round steal some believe he can be.
