Chicago Bears Offseason: Wide Receiver

Wide Receiver

Another position that greatly underperformed last season was the wide receiver position. Among the top five leaders in receptions, only one was a wide receiver; only two of the top four were receivers in receiving yards. There is not a number one receiver on this roster, there probably isn't even a number two (one could argue that Devin Hester might turn into a number two, but he's not there yet). If the Bears add a legitimately talented wide receiver (or two) to this team it would greatly upgrade the offense. They already have playmakers at running back and tight end, so adding a down field threat would also increase the output at those two positions. Ron Turner has now come out and said the Bears need an upgrade at this position.

Currently on the roster:
Devin Hester
Marty Booker
Rashied Davis
Brandon Rideau
John Broussard^
Devin Aromashodu
Earl Bennett*
Rudy Burgess*

*rookie
^practice squad

Top wide receiver prospects:
Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Jeremy Maclin, Mizzou
Percy Harvin, Florida
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
Kenny Britt, Rutgers
Hakeem Nicks, UNC
Louis Murphy, Florida
Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma

No chance to get Michael Crabtree at 18 and Jeremy Maclin will probably go before 18 as well. Both Percy Harvin and Darrius Heyward-Bey would conceivably be around at 18 for the Bears to pick. I have this feeling that Hakeem Nicks stock is on the rise and fast, but if he's around in the second round he would be a steal there. Kenny Britt, Louis Murphy and Juaquin Iglesias will all be around for the Bears in the second round.

Top free agent wide receivers:
TJ Houshmandzadeh
Antonio Bryant
Bryant Johnson
Devery Henderson
Lance Moore*
Nate Washington
Amani Toomer

*restricted

TJ Houshmandzadeh would be an upgrade over any receiver on the roster. Lance Moore stepped up big time last season and showed he's a good NFL receiver. Both Nate Washington and Devery Henderson are play makers in the way they can stretch the field. Amani Toomer has shown over his 13 year career that he's a good route runner and can stretch the field when need be.

My Take:

TJ Houshmandzadeh is not a number one receiver, but again would be quite a large upgrade over any receiver the Bears currently have. I'm not completely sold on Housh. Lance Moore is a restricted free agent and will most likely end up staying a Saint. Neither Nate Washington nor Devery Henderson are number one receivers, and as long as the Bears aren't pretending they are I don't have a problem with either of them. Amani Toomer will turn 35 next season.

Pass on both Heyward-Bey and Harvin in the first round. If Hakeem Nicks has a great combine, debate taking him at 18. If he's still there in the second round definitely take him there, thats a steal. If not, I like both Kenny Britt and Juaquin Iglesias in round two or even three. Sign a free agent wide out. Basically sign a new receiver AND draft a new receiver.