All eyes will be on Chicago Bears rookie first-round quarterback Justin Fields this season whenever he makes his debut. One rookie draft selection that could have a massive impact on the Bears’ offense, potentially more than Fields, could be receiver Dazz Newsome. Newsome, who was drafted in the sixth round by Chicago, could be a much-needed third receiver the offense has needed.

Prior Rookie Receivers’ Success Bolds Well For Newsome

Despite suffering a broken collar bone the day he signed his rookie contract, Newsome could be successful in his rookie season if healthy. The last few receivers drafted by general manager Ryan Pace drafted have had success in their rookie season. In 2018, second-round selection Anthony Miller caught six touchdown passes and recorded 485 receiving yards. Last year, fifth-round receiver Darnell Mooney broke a Bears rookie record as he recorded 61 receptions along with 631 receiving yards.

#Bears rookie WR Dazz Newsome broke his collarbone in practice Tuesday and will undergo surgery Thursday, per source. It’s a clean break, so the sixth-round pick from North Carolina is looking at an eight-week recovery and should be ready right around the start of training camp.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 2, 2021

Pace has done a quality job scouting and finding receiver talent out of college. Despite the failure of Kevin White as the seventh overall selection in the 2015 Draft, Chicago’s general manager has gotten some form of production from drafted and undrafted receivers during his tenure. Whether it’s Miller, Mooney, Javon Wims, or Cameron Meredith, Pace has gotten some form of production from the rookie receivers he has found. Newsome could be the next in line for a surprising level of success.

Mooney’s success last season is leading many to believe that the Bears will have the same success with Newsome. The former North Carolina Tar Heel was viewed as one of the best yards after reception receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft. What makes Newsome special is his speed and ability to make contested catches over the middle. With Allen Robinson and Mooney slated as the Bears’ starting wide receiver, the fifth-round rookie could very well be the slot receiver in the offense if he can beat out Miller and Marquise Goodwin.

Only two rookie WRs with 2+ catches in every game last season:

⭐️ Justin Jefferson
⭐️ Darnell Mooney pic.twitter.com/hvls16Zz6s

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) June 25, 2021

Newsome’s Role In The Offense Could Be Vital

In Matt Nagy’s offense, whether it’s Andy Dalton or Fields as Chicago’s quarterback, having as many passing options available is vital to the Bears’ offense. With Robinson as the Bears’ number one receiver, Mooney will be used on deep and intermediate routes. Running backs David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen will be utilized on passing routes out of the backfield while tight ends Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham as the over the middle target, Newsome will be left to fill the underneath routes. These could be out patterns to the flat or drag routes underneath, with space created by Robinson and Mooney running deeper passing routes, allowing the rookie to pick up significant yards after reception.

With opposing defenses focusing their attention on both Robinson and Mooney, having Newsome take advantage of the lack of attention will make a significant difference for the success and efficiency of the Bears’ offense. Last season, the Bears struggled to have a third receiver step up in their offense as both Miller and Wims failed to take advantage of the coverage focused on Robinson and Mooney.

#Bears rookie WR Dazz Newsome on Justin Fields' deep ball, "It's pretty, and right on stride too."

— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) May 15, 2021

If Newsome can be a productive slot receiver, the Bears’ offense will become more versatile and unpredictable, which will be a benefit after what took place last year. There were too many times where the offense struggled to put extended offensive drives together as quarterbacks Nick Foles and Mitchell Trubisky constantly targeted either Robinson or Mooney, who were constantly guarded. The tight ends failed to get separation also as there was no slot receiver over the middle to help break up coverage.

Newsome will face stiff competition in training camp as he will compete against Miller, Wims, Goodwin, Damiere Byrd, and Riley Ridley. There is a good chance that other than Byrd and Goodwin, the other three receivers in Miller, Wims, and Ridley could be either traded or cut depending on their performance in training camp and the preseason. Newsome will not have to worry about being cut, which should help his cause in potentially being the Bears’ lead slot receiver behind Robinson and Mooney.

This is an outstanding thread on new #Bears WR Dazz Newsome. Full of film cut ups and analysis. https://t.co/qlipiurXKg

— Butkus Stats OnTap – Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) May 5, 2021

Many fans and analysts will say that Fields will be the most significant rookie for the Bears offense, but without weapons and an efficient offense, the rookie quarterback will struggle. Newsome, as Chicago’s third wide receiver, could make a huge difference in how the rookie quarterback may perform once ready. With a trio of quality receivers, the Bears’ offense could be more dynamic than years prior.