When the Chicago Bears signed Taylor Gabriel back in 2018, the goal was obvious. Head coach Matt Nagy came from Kansas City. He knew what the speed threat of Tyreek Hill at wide receiver did for that entire system. The entire world saw what it did for the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. Speed can change games in the blink of an eye. For a time, Gabriel was able to do that for the Bears. However, it quickly became clear the 5’8 receiver had limitations.
Now he’s gone, cut after two years due to a pricey contract and concussions issues. The Bears offense is bereft of anybody to replace him. Allen Robinson is a stud but not known for his vertical threat. Anthony Miller isn’t slow but he’s not that kind of player either. Cordarrelle Patterson has great speed when he’s able to get a running start but it never shows up much as a pure receiver. Javon Wims? No. Riley Ridley? Nope.
What they have isn’t going to cut it. So one can expect the Bears will seek to add somebody, and it looks like they will come from the draft. This might one of the fastest wide receiver classes in recent history with no fewer than 20 players running a sub-4.5 in the 40-yard dash. Do any of them fit the profile of what this team seeks.
At least one does.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Devin Duvernay isn’t Tyreek Hill but he’s like him
If this were any other draft class, Duvernay would probably be getting more hype. The Texas receiver was excellent in 2019. He finished with 106 catches for 1,386 yards and nine touchdowns. This kid was a state champion sprinter in Texas who ran a blistering 4.39 at the combine. Not only does he have the speed to threaten defenses over the top, but he truly excels after the catch. His body type and physical mentality see him punish defenders.
Draft experts are leery of him because of his underdeveloped play but can’t deny his potential.
“He’s a slot receiver with tight hips and below-average routes but has outstanding hands and uses power to add yards after catch. The pieces don’t quite fit together, but great hands, YAC and speed are traits teams might look to mold. He’s not a classic developmental prospect but could become one if a team has a plan for him and can improve his routes.”
Nagy found a myriad of ways to get Hill the ball in Kansas City and did the same for Gabriel in Chicago. If anybody can find a way to utilize Duvernay effectively, it’s him. He’s an explosive weapon who should be available in the middle rounds.
