The situation with Allen Robinson has become a huge topic of conversation for the past few months. What exactly is the future for the wide receiver with the Chicago Bears? Right now it isn’t looking great. Word is the team chose to break off contract extension talks early in the season. No doubt explaining why Robinson removed any mention of them from social media. Since then? Nothing. Both sides remain silent on the subject.
It’s getting harder to believe Robinson will sign long-term in Chicago. It isn’t helping matters that Bears personnel guys are popping up at college football games featuring top wide receiver talent either. This was the case on Friday night when draft expert Jordan Reid revealed that 15 teams had scouts in attendance for the matchup between Minnesota and Iowa. Among them being the Bears.
Why is this significant?
Mostly because both teams feature a wealth of interesting prospects on the offensive side of the ball. Especially at the wide receiver position. Probably the most well-known is Rashod Bateman of the Gophers. Many consider him a 1st round talent and he’s 100% the go-to guy in that offense with 24 catches and 302 yards in three games. His biggest trademarks are his strong hands, sharp route-running, and alpha mentality before and after the catch.
He isn’t the only one worth mentioning though. The Hawkeyes have an intriguing weapon of their own in Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Boasting good size at 6’2, he mixes that with good speed and a knack for making plays in the open field. Not only dangerous as a regular receiver, but he’s also a potential weapon in the return game as well. The big thing with him is expanding his route tree which is limited at this point.
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15 teams in attendance at tonight’s Iowa/Minnesota matchup: Seahawks, Colts, 49ers, Bears, Raiders, Vikings, Texans, Jaguars, Ravens, Bills, Lions, Chiefs, Packers, Bucs, and Browns.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) November 13, 2020
Chicago Bears may also have eyes on the O-linemen
In case anybody forgot, the offensive line is also a huge issue for the Bears. So it’s a happy coincidence that both of these teams have prospects up front that are worth looking at as well. One guy they’re sure to focus on is Alaric Jackson, Iowa’s left tackle. The kid looks the part at 6’6 and 320 lbs. He’s played that position since 2017 and done a great job in pass protection for most of that time.
What people aren’t sure about is if he can translate that to the NFL. Jackson was banged up in 2019 and it showed on tape. He has the power. Can he fix his footwork?
If not, he’ll likely move inside to guard.
Alaric Jackson: Professional Offensive Tackle pic.twitter.com/Zgp7jMSqJ0
— “Jack W” (@Jack__W__) November 7, 2020
The other guy that scouts love is Daniel Faalele, the giant 6’8, 400 lbs tackle for Minnesota. Unfortunately, he’s been dealing with an injury and hasn’t played much this season. So it’s been difficult to evaluate him. When on the field? He looks the part with a mauling style and surprising mobility in pass protection for his size.
Considering the state of the Chicago Bears offensive line? Either one of them sounds like they’d be an improvement. Suffice to say there is a wealth of talent in this game they can benefit by adding next April.