It’s time for the next step of the Chicago Bears’ offseason of talent acquisition: The 2019 NFL Draft. We’re going to look at some of the best prospects at various positions of interest leading up to the draft.
Previous: Quarterback, Running back, Kicker
Need: Medium-low
Currently on the Roster (2018 Pro Football Focus Grade):
Pro Football Focus’ Top-5 Prospects:
- D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss
- A.J. Brown, Ole Miss
- JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Stanford
- Andy Isabella, UMass
- Marquise Brown, Oklahoma
Best of the Rest: Hakeem Butler, Iowa State; Deebo Samuel, South Carolina; N’Keal Harry, Arizona State; Terry McLaurin, Ohio State; Riley Ridley, Georgia
Team Fit
On the surface, the Bears don’t have major needs at receiver. Allen Robinson II, Taylor Gabriel, and Anthony Miller have locked down starting gigs, while Cordarrelle Patterson, Javon Wims, and Marvin Hall represent solid depth. But since there is no such thing as Mitch Trubisky having too many targets, I wouldn’t be opposed to adding a receiver. And if you consider that Robinson, Gabriel, and Miller were all dinged up at some point last year, perhaps receiver is more of a need than we’d otherwise allow ourselves to believe.
Most Likely to be Available When the Bears Are on the Clock:
Any number of mid-to-late-round receivers could be in play for the Bears. Terry McLaurin (Ohio State) and Emanuel Hall (Missouri) have the type of speed GM Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy seem to value in skill position players. Riley Ridley (Georgia) is a superb route runner. Miles Boykin (Notre Dame) has exceptional hands.
The Bears Have Reportedly Met With…
Myles Boykin, Notre Dame; Emanuel Hall, Missouri; Riley Ridley, Georgia
If I Had to Pick One:
Hakeem Butler (Iowa State) is my favorite receiver prospect. He has first-round size (6-5, 227) and potential, but projects to be taken in the second round or in the early part of the third round despite looking like a guy who can create mismatch nightmares for opposing defenses. Big-bodied go-up-and-get-it guys with a nose for the end zone will always have a place in my heart. Otherwise, a speedy prospect such as McLaurin, Hall, or Andy Isabella (UMass) would scratch the itch that comes with wanting a speedy receiver to add to the Bears’ current mix.