Mike Furrey became the Chicago Bears wide receivers in 2018. He immediately established himself as a dedicated worker with an outstanding personality. Players gush about him constantly. At the same time, the coach isn’t known for sugarcoating his words. He gives his responses to people straight. That way people know he’s serious when offering an opinion. That’s why his most recent statement on second-year man Riley Ridley was so noteworthy.
Ridley was the Bears’ 4th round pick in 2019. A lot of draft experts loved the selection. They felt the Georgia product was one of the best route runners in the class combined with good size and strong hands. All he needed was some time to hone his craft. He didn’t play much as a rookie but seemed to show some growth in the season finale. There he had three catches for 54 yards including a money 32-yard grab on 4th and 9 to help set up the winning field goal.
Furrey has kept close tabs on him since and seems convinced the 24-year old will explode.
“I think the one thing I’m really excited about right now and I’ll be honest with all of you, I think the biggest growth we’re going to see from anybody in our room is going to be Riley Ridley.”
Riley Ridley has a prime opportunity to seize the third WR spot
Right now the Bears know the hierarchy of their receiving room. It’s Allen Robinson at the top and Anthony Miller as the #2 guy. After that, it feels like a position-wide competition. Nobody really stands out as a favorite to be that third guy. Javon Wims has seniority but he didn’t do much with his opportunities last season. Ted Ginn Jr. certainly brings experience but he’s more of a situation speed threat. Darnell Mooney is a rookie. So it’s not like the mountain is too high for Ridley to climb.
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The window is open. All he has to do is perform well in training camp and the preseason. Furrey seems confident this is going to happen. Being a former NFL receiver himself, it’s probably okay to take his word for it. Either way, this is an encouraging sign. The Bears need guys to step up and help make the offense better this year. Ridley blossoming would be huge.
