When people talk about the Chicago Bears 2020 draft class, it tends to center around two names. That being both of their 2nd round picks, Cole Kmet and Jaylon Johnson. This isn’t a surprise. The higher picks always get the attention. That and also because both have looked really good in practice. However, they’re not alone. Another name that refuses to be ignored is Darnell Mooney.
A lot of fans weren’t sure who he was when the Bears traded up to get him in the 5th round. All they knew was he is a wide receiver from Tulane and apparently can run really fast. Yet scouts and coaches for the team were quick to point out he has way more to him than that. Based on his frequent standout moments in training camp? They weren’t lying.
So who exactly to the Bears have? Insider Adam Jahns of The Athletic delivered a name that is sure to generate some excitement.
John Brown.
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“When it comes to Mooney’s stature, draft status, college experience and speed, it was difficult to find the right comparable player for him.
Brown was a third-round pick from Division II Pittsburg State who played with three different quarterbacks — Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley — in his first season in Arizona. Interestingly enough, Ginn was on that team, too.
Brown, who is listed at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds and ran the 40 in 4.34 seconds at the NFL combine, was the Cardinals’ third-leading receiver that season. His speed resulted in 48 receptions, 696 yards and five touchdowns.”
Bears scored huge if Darnell Mooney is like Brown
Brown is probably one of the more underrated receivers in the NFL. He topped 1,000 yards for the Arizona Cardinals in just his second season back in 2015. Unfortunately, some quarterback issues and then injuries hampered him over the next two years. He ended up going to Baltimore in 2018, had a rebound year, and ended up signing with Buffalo last season. There he produced his second 1,000-yard season.
For his career, Brown has averaged a whopping 14.9 yards per catch. His explosiveness is a huge asset to a team willing to use it. If Mooney is on a similar tier as Brown? Then the Bears did themselves a huge favor. Players like that scare defenses to death. They can’t afford to leave them with one man covering them. Not without help over the top.
This threat will make life that much easier for everybody else in the passing game. Just like Brown did in Arizona, Baltimore, and Buffalo.