The Chicago Bears are going to focus on the offensive side of the ball in this draft. Everything points in that direction. Not just at quarterback but wide receiver too. Their top two guys are Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney. That is fine but Robinson is working on a one-year deal. He could be gone in 2022. It would make sense for the team to add more young bodies to the mix. Especially with Anthony Miller looking like a long shot to return this year.
Who could end up being his replacement? There are plenty of options experts have mocked to them in recent weeks. The most popular being Kadarius Toney of Florida or Elijah Moore of Ole Miss. Both are quality talents. However, one insider believes Chicago has their eyes on somebody else. According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, the Bears are high on Western Michigan standout D’Wayne Eskridge.
“Many in the league feel Eskridge has cemented himself as a late second-round selection. So who’s looking at him as Round 2 closes out?
I’m told the speed-needy Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints are two teams that are high on Eskridge. So too are the Chicago Bears, who are presently shopping third-year wideout, Anthony Miller.”
This isn’t the first mention of Eskridge either.
Back in late March, it was reported that he’d met formally with the Bears including both the offensive staff and GM Ryan Pace. If that weren’t enough, wide receivers coach Mike Furrey was then present at his pro day. This is compelling evidence that they are indeed interested in the young receiver. Don’t forget Furrey was the one who pounded the table for Mooney. The team has good reason to trust his judgment.
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Eskridge seems like a similar type of player to Mooney too. A bit undersized but quick, fast, and deceptively strong. He shows commitment to running routes properly and doesn’t shirk his responsibilities as a run blocker. Even better? He has special teams experience too. Both as a returner and gunner. This guy is somebody who can contribute in multiple phases from the jump.
Eskridge may succeed where Anthony Miller failed
His senior season was something to behold. Despite playing just six games, Eskridge still managed to rack up 768 yards and eight touchdowns. On just 33 catches, no less. He averaged a whopping 23.3 yards per reception. Not satisfied? He also forced a fumble on defense and averaged 27.5 yards on kick returns including a touchdown. This kid is a football player.
The fact it’s gotten to this point with Anthony Miller is depressing. He is such a talented player. Flashes of brilliance have been there. He is capable of being so good. Yet things just never seem to coalesce with him. First, it’s injuries, then it’s drop problems, and finally, it’s unable to control his temper. Not to mention his constant problems running routes properly.
Coaches have run out of patience.
That punch he threw in New Orleans could very well be the last glimpse fans ever have of him in a Bears uniform. A true shame. Hopefully, the team can get something back in a trade and he’ll have a fresh start elsewhere. If Eskridge ends up being their next guy, he could end up being what Miller should’ve been. Either way, it’ll be another explosive weapon for Andy Dalton to exploit.