The Draft’s Top Receivers Sound Ready to Catch Passes From Justin Fields

I’ve spent more time obsessing over the Bears finding a No. 1 receiver than I’d care to admit.

But then again, obsession can be a good thing. That’s kind of our whole bit here at BN. Unfortunately, our obsession on this particular issue hasn’t been rewarded just yet. Chicago’s quest for a legit No. 1 wide receiver hasn’t gone smoothly and they certainly haven’t unearthed The Guy to this point.

Internally, Darrell Mooney is a nice receiver but might be more suited to be a high-powered No. 2 than a genuine WR1. Chase Claypool has skills, but hasn’t been able to re-create what he did as a rookie in Pittsburgh during the 2020 season. And Velus Jones Jr. can be a fun gadget player, but isn’t The Guy for Fields. Meanwhile, externally, free agency doesn’t look like the place for answers. And the trade market is already drying up.

That leaves the 2023 NFL Draft as the Bears’ best option to find a bonafide top dawg at the receiver position.

And for what it’s worth, some of the top prospects are open to being that top option catching passes from Fields if the Bears were to take them in the upcoming NFL Draft:

TCU WR Quentin Johnston on possibility of playing with Justin Fields: "I kind of gravitate to the younger guys in the league. He's very versatile, very athletic. Good on the run and in the air. … I could see myself fitting there very well."

— Josh Schrock (@Schrock_And_Awe) March 3, 2023

Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the possibility of joining Justin Fields and the Bears: “We definitely had a little connection back in the day. Hopefully we can do it again.”

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) March 3, 2023

WR Zay Flowers says he has met with the Bears and even played some golf with Ryan Poles. Zay also talked about the idea of playing with Justin Fields: pic.twitter.com/4AlQhweWD5

— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) March 3, 2023

LSU WR Kayshon Boutte said he has met with the #Bears and would like to play with Justin Fields.

“Great quarterback. Talented all the way around.” pic.twitter.com/lsonYEhiWY

— Will DeWitt (@Wi11DeWitt) March 3, 2023

Tennessee receiver prospect and Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt: "Justin Fields is dynamic. Somebody that can get you the ball, somebody that can run with his legs, somebody that can kind of take over a game. … I would love to play with Justin Fields."

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) March 3, 2023

OK, sure, those are players in a job-interview mindset pitching themselves to future employers. But you’ve seen Fields sling it, right? And you’ve seen the Bears’ current collection of pass catchers fail to create separation and/or struggle to get open with consistency. I have, too. Hence, I’m open to any and all options that present themselves as legitimate WR1 candidates.

Seriously! That’s a who’s who of receiver talent looking ahead to the opportunity to possibly catch passes from Chicago’s quarterback in 2023:

• Quentin Johnston was a star at the Fiesta Bowl
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba is someone Justin Fields has been essentially lobbying for his team to take in the draft
• Zay Flowers was a standout performer in the ACC for the last two years
• Kayshon Boutte has mounds of potential
• Jalin Hyatt was a baller for a surprisingly fun and awesome Tennessee team last year

If the Bears end up with one of those receivers above, I’ll probably do a happy dance. Even if I can’t guarantee any of them will be a true WR1, adding them to the receivers’ room would lift that group’s profile. As well as our spirits as fans. As far as I’m concerned, I’m of a “the more, the merrier” mindset when it comes to bringing in wideouts.