Chicago Bears scouts have already been spotted in several locations as the college football “season” kicks off. It appears they’re closely watching some of the quarterback prospects that will be available next April. Not a surprise given what just happened with Mitch Trubisky. However, GM Ryan Pace does have a tendency to lock in on certain prospects early.
It was true of Trubisky and again with David Montgomery. So whenever a rumor comes up that may involve them keeping tabs on a certain player, it’s worth taking notice. Thus far no specific names had surfaced. Until now. A college source reached out and said one name the Bears are monitoring heavily is wide receiver Rashod Bateman of Minnesota. Here’s what draft analyst Kyle Crabbs had to say about him.
“Bateman provides an exciting set of receiving skills — he’s got an alpha-mentality while addressing the football in the air and provides a strong contested catch resume for finishing targets that hit his hands. Bateman is fluid and controlled at the top of his routes, showing double moves and hard breaks with competency in order to carry speed throughout his routes. Bateman’s run after catch skills might be his best quality — if he’s hit in stride he’ll use his free arm and strong contact balance to shrug off potential tackles and continue to gain ground.”
Bateman certainly has exciting qualities the Chicago Bears lack
Most of the focus for far-looking Bears fans are centered at quarterback and offensive line. With good reason since both position groups are lacking on this team. Yet wide receiver can’t be called a strength either. Allen Robinson remains their only reliable target and he’s set to become a free agent in March. Both sides still haven’t worked out an extension.
Anthony Miller continues to have consistency issues. Darnell Mooney has lots of promise but is still a rookie. Beyond that? It’s a lot of meh. Bateman broke out for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. He clearly has big-play potential and an NFL build. The problem is he will likely be a 1st round pick.
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Given the other more pressing needs the Bears have on that offense, it would be a dangerous gamble to ignore them in favor of taking this young man.