NEWSLETTER
Each preseason game features at least one dude who unexpectedly puts together an eye-popping performance, and Thursday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was no exception.
Chicago Bears rookie receiver Javon Wims took center stage in Canton (well, at least on the field) as he caught seven passes for 89 yards against the Baltimore Ravens secondary, receiving a team-leading 10 targets in the process. The Bears’ seventh-round pick certainly has a presence on the field, and at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, looked like someone who knew how to use his body to best position himself to make catches.
Few were as impressive as this snag:
Rookie Javon Wims with a beautiful catch pic.twitter.com/Pj57HXWT4H
— QB List (@TheQBlist) August 3, 2018
The Georgia product showed off some reliable hands and noteworthy run-after-the-catch ability. If Wims wanted to show that he was more than a one-trick pony, his performance against the Ravens on Thursday certainly hinted at him being more than just a go-up-and-get-it guy. And as Pro Football Focus underscores, the Bears were able to use Wims in a variety of sets. It’s not like he was just taking the field, lining up on the outside, and snagging one jump-ball after another. Wims played more snaps out of the slot (28) than he did lined up outside (23). That type of versatility will play in Matt Nag’s offense if Wims can keep up the productions.
It was important that Wims made a positive impact with his play, especially since Allen Robinson, Kevin White, Anthony Miller, and Taylor Gabriel were out of the lineup. As we have referenced before, one sitting out presents an opportunity for a player who would’ve not received a chance otherwise. Obviously, we’ll try not to get too invested in a seventh-round receiver, but it’s nice anyway.
In addition to running routes, catching passes, and eluding defenders after the catch, Wims will probably need to refine his skills on special teams and prove he can be a contributor there in order to make the season-opening 53-man roster.
That being said, it was great to see Wims taking advantage of the steady stream of snaps and making the most of his opportunity.
