With two weeks close to transpiring since the start of NFL free agency, one thing is becoming clear. Ryan Poles will not be rushed into rash decisions regarding his roster. Nowhere is that clearer than at wide receiver, where the only moves the Chicago Bears have made involved Equanimeous St. Brown and Byron Pringle. Not exactly needle-movers who should be expected to help Justin Fields take a step forward this season. This is a reminder that Poles wasn’t lying. He aims to build through the draft. Hence the apparent interest in Bo Melton.
Remember, the GM said that he would prioritize speed and athleticism on this team from the start. Especially the offense. It shouldn’t be a surprise since he’s coming from Kansas City. Melton checks those boxes in a big way. The Rutgers wide receiver is a classic draft conundrum. For somebody as physically gifted as him with 4.34 speed and explosive acceleration, it is difficult to understand his rather modest 2,011 yards receiving with 11 touchdowns in five years of college. Was he not making enough plays, or was the coaching or quarterback play the bigger issue?
That is what the Bears aim to find out.
Reps from #Eagles, #Dolphins, #Jets, #Jaguars, #Browns, #Bears, #Steelers, #Colts and #Packers are at #Rutgers’ pro day to watch WR Bo Melton, Isiah Pacheco and more. @PFN365
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) March 22, 2022
This spring, Melton has already done a fine job of elevating his draft stock. He looked sharp at the Senior Bowl and then delivered a strong workout at the scouting combine. It feels like his pro day is a formality at this point. Initial projections had him going somewhere on Day 3 between the 5th and 7th rounds. After what he accomplished the past two months, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he jumped into the conversation for the 3rd and even 2nd rounds.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Some of best releases have a skate or glide to them. Filthy footwork here by Rutgers WR Bo Melton. @getbusy__bo is one of most underrated playmakers in 2022 draft.#BestoftheBest #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/dV7FBupGtt
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 17, 2022
What Rutgers WR Bo Melton's 4.34s 40-yard dash looks like on tape. Used more as a vertical threat than expected. Not very many quick in-breaking routes from the slot. But liked the nuance with the fakes/hesitations to freeze CBs and beat them clean on verticals. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/oXA71J6SYk
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) March 4, 2022
If you don't know — you need to pay attention to Bo Melton at Rutgers this fall. Dynamic receiver with an incredible release, speed and quite the knack for yards-after-the-catch.
2021 @getbusy__bo 📈📈 pic.twitter.com/i1u6cs1kPs
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) March 17, 2021
This pick would come down to one thing for Poles. Whether he trusts the new Bears coaching staff led by Matt Eberflus can develop Melton properly. Right now, his overall game is incomplete. Critics cite his difficulty with press coverage and inconsistent route-running as reasons he couldn’t take off in college. Those are things coaching can fix.
Bo Melton appeals to Bears for other reasons too
Sure, his ability to run fast is appealing for obvious reasons. That said, it isn’t the only thing the receiver is about. He’s also a two-time team captain. Chicago values players with high character and a passion for football. Last but not least, he stood out as a gunner on special teams. Poles has indicated his regime values versatility in their players. Having a receiver who can contribute on offense and special teams is never bad.
What is interesting is thus far, the Bears haven’t been connected to any receivers expected to go in the 1st or 2nd rounds. Now, this likely means they’re keeping that interest quiet. Then again, it could also mean they intend to go in different directions with their earlier picks.
Likely the offensive and defensive lines.
Again, that may anger some Bears fans, but Poles is proving to be a man with convictions. He wants to prioritize the trenches first. Protect Fields and then worry about his weapons. That isn’t a terrible plan. It just makes it difficult to see how much firepower this team can truly add before the start of next season. Bo Melton would add intrigue if nothing else.
