GM Ryan Poles has made a big deal out of fixing the Chicago Bears offensive line. This isn’t a bad thing at all. After giving up 58 sacks in 2021, that area absolutely needs help. However, this doesn’t mean the man is ignorant of another reality. The Bears also lack playmakers at wide receiver. Darnell Mooney is the only viable option they have under contract. Everybody else of consequence is a free agent, including Allen Robinson.
This could end up forcing Poles’ hand. Whether it’s a more expensive free agent or a high draft choice (or both), he must invest in Justin Fields’ weaponry this offseason. It comes down to who will be available. Chicago has no pick in the 1st round, so they may be forced to gamble on somebody with considerable upside in the 2nd or 3rd rounds. ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid thinks he had the perfect name in mind.
“Prospect to watch at the combine: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
The only wide receiver under contract for the Bears is Darnell Mooney. Without a first-round pick and wanting to add more weapons for their young quarterback, Pickens makes a lot of sense in Chicago.”
George Pickens is a fascinating case study.
In terms of production, his career at Georgia was a disappointment. Just 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns in three years. Much of this was due to a knee injury he suffered last year, knocking him out for all but four games. The selling point for Pickens is his natural ability. He is a bit of a freak. Not only 6’3, but athletic with an uncanny knack for making the toughest catches look routine. His problems lay in technique. Route-running is not his strength, and must get better if he is going to realize his full potential.
The Chicago Bears would have to trust their coaching staff with him. This is where the hirings of Luke Getsy and Tyke Tolbert could prove clutch. Both have long-standing reputations for developing wide receivers. They would view a ball of clay like Pickens as a great challenge, knowing it could mean big things if they succeed.
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It would also give Fields a much-needed bigger target he could lean on in key situations. The tougher sell is whether Poles would want to risk one of his precious few picks on such an uncertain talent.
