The Chicago Bears had their full attention fixed on the field for Day 2 of the NFL scouting combine. That’s because it was the high water mark when quarterbacks and wide receivers do their work. Having already landed their QB of the future, the Bears brass were there to watch what receiving talent the 2018 draft has to offer.
Initial results should have them suitably impressed. While the odds on the Bears going for a receiver at #8 overall haven’t changed, there is no longer a question about the depth of this group. It may lack in star power but there are definite athletes in the bunch, many of whom proved they know how to run sharp routes and catch the football.
Head coach Matt Nagy was right alongside GM Ryan Pace watching it unfold. They no doubt had their eyes on some of the kids who performed down there. A number of whom fans may not yet know about.
Chicago Bears could find value in deep receiver draft
Of course the big fish in the pond this year is Calvin Ridley out of Alabama. Most view him as the top receiver in the class and the only one with a chance to go in the top 10. Long story short? He had a fine day. He ran a respectable 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and looked solid in most of the drills, though his broad jump (9’2″) was a disappointment.
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The real star of the afternoon was D.J. Chark. The 6’3″ kid from LSU already came in with a ton of momentum. He was outstanding in the Senior Bowl, going for over 160 yards in the game with a touchdown. Teams wanted to see if he could duplicate that speed in a timed setting. He didn’t disappoint.
Chark finished with the best time of the day and didn’t have any setbacks in the other drills. However, the most impressive all-around performance might have to go to Texas A&M standout Christian Kirk. Being only 5’11”, he needed to make sure he showed his game had nothing to do with size.
His 4.47 in the 40 answered the questions about his speed. He also delivered a surprising 20 reps on the bench press, placing him fourth among receivers. His best showing though came during throwing drills. It was there he got a chance to showcase arguably the most natural pair of hands at the combine.
Chill out @ChristianDavon2 🔥 #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/8TaN6PF9iD
— Tim England (@tengland150) March 3, 2018
All told there were 14 receivers on the day who finished with a 40 time under 4.5. So there’s plenty of speed in this draft class. There’s also a lot of size. Current count has 13 receivers measured at 6’3″ or taller with a likelihood to get drafted. So it’s nice mix and match of preferences for the Bears to choose from. If Nagy wants more speed to get chunk plays, it’s there. If he wants more size to improve the red zone play, it’s there.
This group should be able to help Chicago accomplish their goal this off-season.
