Chicago Bears: Breaking down wide receiver corps

The Chicago Bears are working hard so far this offseason in hopes of rebounding from their 5-11 efforts of 2014. They’ve revamped their wide receiver corps and infused it with one of the top at the position thanks to the 2015 NFL Draft. Regardless what you think of the quarterback situation for the Bears, if their wide receivers deliver unlike anything fans have seen over the years, the team can get away with sub-par play at quarterback. What should fans expect to see out of the Bears’ wide receiver corps heading into 2015?

ALSO ON SPIN ZONE: Are Any Bears Among The NFL’s Most Important Players?

Led by wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, the Bears are hoping he continues the momentum he had last year. Not only did Jeffery lead the team in receiving yards at 1,133 and in touchdowns at 10, he could have an even bigger impact this upcoming season.

More from Chicago Bears

If Jeffery can keep up what he brings to the table, there is no telling how far the Bears can go as he is without question their No. 1 wide receiver on the depth chart. Jeffery can’t do it alone which is why the Bears knew if they are to return to being contenders again in the NFC North, they needed to spend their first-round draft pick on someone who can step right in and contribute immediately alongside him.

With the 7th pick in the first round of this year’s draft, the Bears selected wide receiver Kevin White. In his collegiate career at West Virginia, White contributed 1,954 yards on 144 receptions for 15 touchdowns. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, he’s a prototypical NFL wide receiver that should make a name for himself in his rookie year. White is easily the No. 2 option at wide receiver for the Bears based on his solid skill-set which brings speed, reliability and a knack at making big plays once the football is in his vicinity.

Another key player on the Bears’ receiving corps is wide receiver Eddie Royal who will definitely be a player to watch as he’s one of the fastest to play at the slot position. With 7 seasons of experience under his belt, he could be exactly what quarterback Jay Cutler needs to really spread things out offensively. Cutler is familiar with him as they spent time together during their tenure as members of the Denver Broncos many years ago.

What makes Royal exciting is how he’s able to haul in anything coming his way. He’s not known for making big plays but rather for being able to come through in the clutch when scoring touchdowns. Considering that Royal should give Cutler another reliable option in the red-zone is huge to make sure they score to end key drives. Expect to see Royal be the No. 3 option at wide receiver.

May 8, 2015; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (13) during Chicago Bears rookie minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The No. 4 position on the depth chart definitely belongs to wide receiver Marquess Wilson. Heading into his third season in the NFL, Wilson is an emerging player that will only get better thanks to all the good talent around him giving him opportunities to step up when defenders least expect it.

His speed and upside makes him a sleeper pick this year to really push the envelope. His numbers aren’t flashy as so far he’s only contributed 153 yards on 19 receptions for just one touchdown but 2015 could be the season he steps up his game big time.

The No. 5 and No. 6 position at wide receiver on the depth chart is truly up for grabs this summer. Marc Mariani and Levi Norwood seem like viable options thanks to what they bring to special teams but the Bears also brought in several others for some great competition at wide receiver this summer.

Keep an eye on Josh Bellamy and John Chiles as they have a good shot at proving their worth and being on the final roster as quality depth at wide receiver.

Overall, new offensive coordinator Adam Gase will absolutely put all these great offensive weapons to good use as he works hard to turn the Bears’ offense into one that is capable of lighting up the scoreboard. If he can get everything to fall into place, the Bears might be one of the teams to watch in 2015.

Next: Jared Allen Builds Homes for Wounded Soldiers

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Chicago Bears