When discussing the NFL draft, Chicago Bears fans always mention the same position groups as areas they need to address. The defensive line and offensive line are obvious. However, wide receiver tends to come up just as often. That isn’t a surprise. Justin Fields didn’t get much help for that position in 2022. Darnell Mooney led the group in yards and didn’t even play in the season’s final month. Hopes are high that Chase Claypool will assert himself more in 2023. That said, GM Ryan Poles has to keep adding talent.
The problem is this draft doesn’t seem overly strong at the position. Most evaluators don’t have more than two receivers going in the 1st round. The class appears largely bunched together between the 3rd and 5th rounds. That means the Bears could wait until around that time to address the position. Draft expert Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus has the name he thinks will end up being their guy should they decide to wait that long.
“Late Pick: WR Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State
As for offensive weapons, there will be plenty to choose from, but the savvy and productive Hutchinson is the bet to make as a player who recorded an elite 90.8 receiving grade and more than 2,100 receiving yards over the past two seasons.”
Hutchinson played three seasons for the Cyclones, improving his stats each year from 771 yards to 987 to 1,171. He is 6’3, 210 lbs, and 22 years old.
Hutchinson offers interesting traits for the Chicago Bears.
His primary selling points are strong hands, excellent body control, and determining run-after-the-catch ability. He’s a wide receiver that tends to make his money on 3rd down when his quarterback needs a tough catch. There is no denying that type of player can be helpful to this team. The Bears receiving corps struggled with drops most of the season. Every time Justin Fields needed a big catch from somebody, it fell incomplete despite his passes often being accurate. Maybe a dependable possession receiver is something they need.
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Hutchinson isn’t going to wow people with his speed or route-running. His game depends on having a quarterback who is willing to throw it in his vicinity regardless of coverage. He has the size, hands, and physicality needed to make plays. Think a smaller version of Brandon Marshall. If he is there around the 4th or 5th round, the Chicago Bears should consider taking him. Then again, Fields isn’t a quarterback known for throwing many 50-50 balls. So the fit might not be great.
