Self-confidence is an absolute necessity for somebody to thrive in the NFL. Hall of Fame head coach Chuck Noll once told his players in Pittsburgh, “If I have to motivate you, I will fire you.” The message was clear. Either you’re committed to giving the team everything you have, or you’re not staying on the team. So it shouldn’t be surprising that tons of wide receivers arrive at the pro level with a certain swagger. They developed it out of necessity, feeling it gave them a critical advantage. Tyler Scott is no different.
He might be a 4th round pick, but you wouldn’t know that from hearing him talk. Scott is a confident young man. He felt slighted when so many teams passed on him during the draft. The first thing he promised was revenge once he got on the field. Such self-assuredness doesn’t simply come from knowledge of his abilities. It comes from the work he puts in. There is also one added source of strength. He already knows he can hang with some of the best in the NFL. After all, he was teammates with one of them in college.
Scott explained on the Under Center podcast.
Tyler Scott won’t see much better in the NFL than Gardner.
The New York Jets 1st round pick had one of the best rookie seasons by a cornerback in modern history. He’s long, athletic, physical, and can suffocate receivers. Chicago found that out when they visited MetLife Stadium last year. None of this is to say Scott will always burn the top cornerbacks in football. It is more of an assurance that he won’t be intimidated by the pro level as some other wide receivers his age would be. That has shown in how well he practiced against Jaylon Johnson and other Bears corners in OTAs and minicamps.
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There is no question Tyler Scott has what it takes to play in the NFL. If Stefon Diggs and Darnell Mooney can do it, so can he. His speed and quickness alone should make him dangerous in space. If he can master the nuances of route running against well-prepared corners, he will be in a Bears uniform for a long time. It will be interesting to see how fast he can get on the field with the way most project the depth chart. His performance in training camp will determine a lot.
