Ryan Poles didn’t want to let D.J. Moore be the only addition he made at wide receiver this off-season. Last year proved how critical depth is at the position, with Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool missing games with injuries. Free agency didn’t offer any opportunities, so the Chicago Bears GM had to hope one would materialize in the draft. He wasn’t disappointed. After two days with no action, Poles finally pounced late in the 4th round by grabbing Cincinnati receiver Tyler Scott 133rd overall.
That was a surprise to many. Several draft experts had Scott worthy of going in the 3rd or even 2nd round. To get him in the 4th felt like great value. Poles knew what the young man offered immediately. His speed and explosiveness stand out all the time on tape. He is a perfect fit for quarterback Justin Fields and his desire to strike deep. Poles explained to Cynthia Frelund of NFL Network that his ability to win off the line and track the ball down the field reminded him of a certain star receiver from the Pacific Northwest.
The Tyler Scott comparison to Tyler Lockett isn’t crazy.
Some people will roll their eyes, knowing Lockett is one of the best in the business. Comparing a 4th round rookie to him seems unfair. That is, until you see the numbers.
Lockett:
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- 5’10
- 182 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.40
- Vertical jump – 35.5
- Three-cone – 6.89
Scott:
- 5’10
- 177 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.44
- Vertical jump – 39.5
- Three-cone – 6.99
It is remarkable how close the two are physically. They are mirrors of each other. The key difference is Lockett was far more productive in college, with over 2,700 yards in his final two years at Kansas State. Tyler Scott managed 1,419. That is why Lockett went in the 2nd round while Scott slipped to the 4th. Teams aren’t sure if he can make the same leap. The good news is he landed in the perfect situation. Fields is the ideal quarterback to fit his skill set, similar to Russell Wilson in Seattle with Lockett. Poles believes in the player and the person. All Scott has to do is seize the opportunity.
