NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Kevin White the Offensive X-Factor for Chicago Bears in 2016

By Dan Schmelzer

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kevin White (West Virginia) is selected as the number seven overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kevin White (West Virginia) is selected as the number seven overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Injuries held him out for all of last year, but dynamic wide receiver Kevin White has a chance to be a true X-factor for the Chicago Bears in 2016.

The first-ever selection made by Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace, wide receiver Kevin White entered the NFL with a lot of talent and upside. However, we were never able to see what he could do as a rookie, as the Bears’ seventh-overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft sat out the entire season with a foot injury that would never go away.

Related Story: Chicago Bears' Draft Grades for Each 2016 Selection

I would not blame Bears’ fans for being frustrated about the start of White’s career, but I caution them to be patient. White is an incredibly talented receiver who will make a difference in the NFL.

His combination of size, speed and athleticism made White a human highlight reel in college. While those plays may seem like ancient history, White showed a fantastic ability to both make plays in the air and pick up yardage after the catch.

Whether it was on the deep ball or in a catch-and-run situation, White is a legitimate threat to take the ball to the house at any point. Add in his ridiculous ability in jump ball situations that make him a huge red zone threat, and you get a talented receiver with a nose for the end zone.

Before we look too far forward with White, let’s take a look back at his best plays from college.

Obviously missing his rookie season was less than ideal, but let’s not forget why White went so early in the draft. He has true superstar upside at the next level, and now that he appears to be fully healthy, the Bears and their fans should be ready for him to put on a show.

With the Bears moving on from both Matt Forte and Martellus Bennett this off season, the deep passing game is likely to become a higher priority in their offense. Alshon Jeffery is an established stud on the outside who is going to command a lot of attention. Everybody knows about the upside of White, but considering he has yet to prove anything in the NFL, teams will not give him too much extra attention.

More from NFL Spin Zone

This should create ample opportunity for White to make plays on the outside. Opposing defenses will know about his upside and be fully aware of where he is on the field, but Jeffery is undoubtedly going to be their major focal point at least at the start.

While his injury last season was less than ideal, White appears fully healthy and ready to contribute for Chicago in 2016. His upside at the wide receiver position is massive, and while he has not proven anything at this level, he could quickly become a major difference-maker in the Bears’ offense.

Forte and Bennett being gone opens up a lot of production to be replaced in the Bears’ offense. That will be done by a variety of players, but it is Kevin White who stands out as the guy to benefit the most.

This all lines up for a breakout campaign by the former top-ten pick. Kevin White could easily be the X-factor for the Chicago Bears in 2016.

Home/Chicago Bears