Ryan Poles said it in his very first press conference. There will be a greater emphasis on speed moving forward when it comes to the Chicago Bears offense. Especially at the wide receiver position. This shouldn’t be a surprise. Poles comes from the Kansas City Chiefs where they’ve focused on the same thing for years. Talents like Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, and Sammy Watkins helped them win a championship.
Speed can be the ultimate equalizer in the NFL. It only takes one big play to change the complexion of an entire game and even season. So it is fair to assume that Poles kept a close eye on the 40-yard dash even for the 2022 draft receiving class. If so, he was treated to quite the show as it might’ve been the fastest group ever recorded at the even. Here are some of the prospects that stood out the most.
If the Chicago Bears want speed, this is the draft for it
Christian Watson, North Dakota State – 4.36 seconds
Probably the hottest name of the pre-draft cycle. Watson was a jack-of-all-trades weapon for the Byson, helping them win the FCS national championship in 2021 as a wide receiver, running back, and kick returner. Then he proceeded to run that 40 at 6’4 and 208 lbs. Being big is one thing. Being big and fast is quite another. Watson also boasts big, reliable hands. If he can figure out how to run routes at a high level, he has the makings of a star.
Tyquan Thornton, Baylor – 4.28 seconds
There is regular speed, and then there is elite speed. Thornton is the kind of natural ability you can’t teach. He was a constant big-play weapon for the Bears, posting 948 yards and ten touchdowns on just 92 catches last season. He is the sort of player defenses have to game plan for. The problem is he was a little too reliant on that speed and never worked to expand his route-running tree. He’ll have to fix that in the NFL.
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Velus Jones, Tennessee – 4.31 seconds
Jones is one of those receivers that feels like he was never used properly despite playing for two different programs. He is not only fast but excellent after the catch. A big reason why he is also dangerous on kick returns. His relentless effort serves him well on special teams, and he amassed a respectable 807 receiving yards with seven touchdowns last season after years of being almost exclusively a returner.
Calvin Austin, Memphis – 4.32 seconds
Chicago Bears fans will make immediate comparisons to Anthony Miller. That would be a mistake. Austin is a different sort of player. While shorter, he is far more explosive and better after than catch. His fluidity and quickness can make him deadly as a route runner too. His 2200 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns the past two seasons backs up what athletic numbers show. Austin is fun to watch on tape. A smart coaching staff will find ways to get the ball in his hands.
Alec Pierce, Cincinnati – 4.33 seconds
Like Watson, his overall productivity as a receiver was modest. Pierce had 884 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior. Yet it is difficult to deny the physical upside. Running a 4.33 in the 40 is impressive enough. Doing so at 6’3, 218 lbs is even better. The problem is that speed doesn’t always show up on tape. He seems to struggle to gain separation, likely due to inconsistent route running and a lack of quickness.
Khalil Shakir, Boise State – 4.43 seconds
Athletic ability is a big thing for the Bears, but so is finding the right personalities. Matt Eberflus said he wants players that love football and are willing to work hard. This sums up Shakir to perfection. He is said to be an elite teammate and relentless competitor. Yet his amazing versatility made him a feared weapon for the Broncos. Every time he got the ball in his hands, he made something happen. He’s a good route-runner too.
