Adding wide receiver help isn’t a possibility for the Chicago Bears. It is a necessity. They only have four players under contract, with Darnell Mooney being the one proven name of the bunch. Presuming Allen Robinson leaves in free agency, GM Ryan Poles will have his hands full trying to find replacements. That is why he could look to the upcoming NFL draft for help. The tricky part is finding somebody outside the 1st round who can contribute.
It appears the team may have at least one notable name in mind. With the NFL scouting combine underway in Indianapolis, draft prospects had a chance to meet with the media for the first time. Here is where an interesting bit of information surfaced. Via Zack Pearson of Bear Report, North Dakota State wide receiver Christian Watson revealed Bears representatives have met with him twice. Once at the Senior Bowl and again at the combine.
NDSU WR Christian Watson says he’s met with the #Bears at the Senior Bowl and at the Scouting Combine so far.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) March 2, 2022
This is worthwhile news.
Reports on Watson from various draft experts paint a clear picture. He is absolutely someone that would interest Poles. The young receiver displayed lots of speed during his time with the Bison and developed a reputation for being a tireless worker and playmaker. His stats won’t blow you away. Just 800 yards and seven touchdowns receiving in 2021. However, that was only on 43 catches. This doesn’t factor in the 114 rushing yards and 227 kick return yards he also had.
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Watson is a versatile weapon. Even scarier is he’s 6’4 with plenty of room on his frame to add more muscle. Last season’s improved route-running can also be further expanded as he lands under a more professional coaching staff. This has the classic feel of a player who will be better in the NFL than he was in college. The big question the Chicago Bears and others have with him is whether he can handle the jump in competition.
In the past 10 years, only 20 receivers outside Division I of college football have been drafted. Three of them became successful. John Brown (Pittsburgh State), Tyreek Hill (West Alabama), and Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington). Not the best odds. To be one of those precious few, a player must be talented, dedicated, and tough. It sounds like Watson checks all of those boxes. It probably doesn’t hurt his father played in the NFL too.
