Justin Fields needs lots of help on offense. Every position group could use more star power. The debate centers around two areas: the offensive line and the wide receivers. His protection wasn’t even close to good for most of 2022. The pass-catchers weren’t any better. Outside of Darnell Mooney, no one stepped up to become a reliable target for the Chicago Bears quarterback. That is why expectations are high that GM Ryan Poles will attack both positions early in the NFL draft. It is merely a matter of when and who.
That is where it gets interesting. Last year, Poles sat down with Fields and the two watched tape together on possible wide receivers he’d like to work with. The quarterback provided a short list of names. In the end, the Bears grabbed Velus Jones in the 3rd round. While their connection took longer than hoped to develop, there were signs of progress late in the season. Now it appears Fields has another name he has an interest in for 2023. He revealed it on Pardon My Take.
It isn’t a surprise Fields would point out Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The two were teammates briefly at Ohio State. He already has a good idea of what the wide receiver can do. It appears Smith-Njigba is equally intrigued about a reunion based on his Twitter feed.
Giving Justin Fields what he wants could prove difficult.
Initial projections had Smith-Njigba as a lock for the 1st round. He was dominant in 2021, going over 1600 yards. Things took a turn last year as injuries sidelined him most of the season, allowing Marvin Harrison Jr. to steal the spotlight. Now people aren’t sure where he’ll go. While the 1st is still possible, it feels more and more like the receiver will settle in the top half of the 2nd round. Yet even that is problematic. Thanks to the Chase Claypool trade, the Bears don’t pick until the 53rd selection in the 2nd. It’s unlikely Smith-Njigba will last that long.
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So that means if they want to get Justin Fields his guy, they’ll need to secure a spot probably in the late 30s range. Not impossible, but difficult. Otherwise, Poles will have to find somebody else his quarterback would be happy with. There is no question Smith-Njigba is dangerous when healthy. While not overly fast, he’s a terrific route-runner with quickness and strength. Some compare him to former Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry. He would be an instant threat coming out of the slot.
