Chicago Bears: 5 Breakout players to watch when training camp begins

2. Darnell Mooney, Wide Receiver

Oh, the excitement Darnell Mooney gave the fans last season. His speed and athleticism helped him beat some very good cornerbacks around the league. The problem was his quarterbacks weren’t able to get the ball to him.

Speed on offense kills. When you have receivers who can go down the field and blow past defenders you have great chances to make big plays. Additionally, with the defense trying to keep the deep ball from hurting it, the receivers underneath get more space to work with. Allen Robinson, for example, won’t have to make as many contested catches as he has since he came to Chicago. Imagine how much better he could play if that happens.

Whoever plays under center for the Chicago Bears, the quarterback situation will be better. They have a veteran in Andy Dalton who can get the ball to the receivers. They also have Justin Fields, one of the top quarterback prospects in this year’s draft. An improved offensive line helps even more.

Mooney should have more opportunities to make big plays. This time, however, he’ll have a better shot at making catches. There were times in several games in which Mooney was all by himself down the field but the ball wasn’t catchable.

Mooney had 61 receptions for 631 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 10.3 yards per catch. He wants to build on that and become the Bears’ second option receiver after Robinson. With an improved offense and him working with Robinson that should happen.