The Chicago Bears 2021 draft class has received almost universal acclaim from experts. Most of the praise is heaped on their first two picks. Quarterback Justin Fields headlines the excitement with his incredible physical ability. Offensive tackle Teven Jenkins could be the heir apparent to the recently departed Charles Leno. Both were believed to have gone way later than they should’ve. One person who hasn’t gotten much love following the draft is Dazz Newsome.

GM Ryan Pace secured the North Carolina wide receiver late in the 6th round. One part of a trio of picks made in that range. While running back Khalil Herbert and cornerback Thomas Graham made several lists of late round steals, Newsome remained mostly unmentioned. It appears some coaches in the college ranks are shocked by this. Adam Rittenberg of ESPN got in touch with several of them to talk about the draft class. When the topic of late round value came up, more than one of them mentioned Newsome.

They think teams missed what makes him so good.

Iowa linebacker Nick Niemann (Chargers) kicked off a sixth round that featured several players who stood out to college coaches. They included Georgia center Trey Hill (Bengals), Houston wide receiver Marquez Stevenson (Bills), Wisconsin cornerback Rachad Wildgoose (Bills), Auburn wide receiver Seth Williams (Broncos), South Carolina wide receiver Shi Smith (Panthers) and North Carolina wide receiver Dazz Newsome (Bears).

Newsome and Williams saw wide receivers on their teams selected earlier, but coaches say both project well.

“Very, very dynamic slot receiver,” an ACC coach said of Newsome. “He went very late. He was excellent, so I thought that was a really good value pick.”

A Power 5 coach added of Williams: “He’s fast but not nearly as fast as [Anthony] Schwartz, but a better receiver.”

The thing about Newsome is he always seemed to be in the shadow of teammate Dyami Brown at North Carolina. Brown went in the 3rd round to the Washington Football Team. Back in 2019, the receivers were almost identical in production. Brown had 1,034 yards and 12 touchdowns while Newsome had 1,018 yards and 10 touchdowns. Brown remained along that same line in 2020 though while Newsome experienced a slight dip.

In a draft loaded with slot options, it isn’t a surprise he ended up dropping. Not that the Bears are complaining. Anthony Miller has been on the trade block for months now. His odds of returning this season still appear remote. Adding somebody like Newsome to the roster gives them much-needed insurance for their slot receiver position.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIh7j_5g2oc&ab_channel=ChicagoBears

Dazz Newsome just makes plays

One reason that he probably fell was the disappointing 4.56 he ran in the 40-yard dash at North Carolina’s pro day. This led teams to question his speed. Yet when watching the tape, Newsome comes across as what they call “field fast.” His best speed comes out over the course of a game. When watching his tape, he has a knack for popping open repeatedly. He’s a sharp route runner with quick feet and unheralded after-the-catch ability. This is why he’s dangerous on punt returns and backfield handoffs too.

A good comparison for Dazz Newsome is Antonio Brown. Now understand this is a comparison of college prospects. Not the rookie receiver to what Brown became. Brown too was a 6th round pick out of Central Michigan. He too ran a 4.56 at the scouting combine back in 2010. That clearly didn’t stop him from becoming one of the best receivers in the NFL thanks to crisp route running and an uncanny knack for making big catches.

Newsome fits that category as well.

Can he make the same leap? That depends on him. He has to be willing to put in the work and make the necessary sacrifices. His talent carried him a long way in college but everybody is good at the NFL level. Paying attention to the details is what makes top receivers in this league. Something Newsome still needs to learn. Chicago is ready to give him that opportunity.