Javon Wims caught four passes for 114 yards and a touchdown in the Chicago Bears’ preseason win against the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday. But more importantly, Wims has positioned himself to snag something much bigger – a spot on the season-opening 53-man roster.
I tend to proceed with caution when talking about breakout preseason performances, but Wims has two of them under his belt now and it’s cause for further inspection. And I suppose we should start with this touchdown catch:
That pass! That catch! #KCvsCHI pic.twitter.com/cowzn0QkjD
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 25, 2018
Seriously, this grab and toe-drag swag is impeccable. Of course, that wouldn’t have been possible had he not set it up with this catch-and-run:
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1033412480330940416
Remember when Wims insisted he wasn’t a one-trick pony? He might be onto something, as these are exactly the kind of splash plays Wims needed to make in order to make a strong enough impression to receive consideration for a spot on the roster to start the season. Plays like that will make a tough call for Chicago’s decision-makers that much more difficult.
Saturday’s effort was the latest in which Wims was able to show off the speed, athleticism, and hands that had some draft analysts believing he should have been off the board before the Bears were able to take him in the seventh round back in April. The more he puts those skills on tape, the more likely he is to earn a roster spot – whether it’s in Chicago or elsewhere. Of course, Wims will probably need to sharpen up his special teams skills if he is going to lock down a spot before cut-down day.
The Bears are loaded at the receiver spot after bringing in waves of fresh faces to replace a collection of pass-catchers who struggled last season. Wims is certainly in the mix for a roster spot, even if it is at the back of the depth chart. It’s possible it comes down to Wims and Kevin White for one of the last spots on the Bears’ roster. Both stood out on Saturday, according to Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune. In fact, it’s quite possible that both make the cut after what they showed on Saturday at Soldier Field.
Wouldn’t it be something if it turns out the Bears have drafted multiple usable receivers for an entertaining offense? Hey now, let us dream big dreams and let the details sort themselves out.