Post by GrizzlyBear on Mar 9, 2017 16:38:49 GMT -6
www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000791966/article/nfl-draft-potential-alshon-jeffery-replacements-for-bears
NFL draft: Potential Alshon Jeffery replacements for Bears
Alshon Jeffery is heading to Philly. The big receiver is signing a one-year deal with the Eagles, giving QB Carson Wentz another weapon, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
How will the Bears replace Jeffery?
Here are five candidates -- with a round noted for when they could come off the board -- they could consider in the 2017 NFL Draft.
NOTE: Click on each player's name for a full scouting report.
Corey Davis, Western Michigan, Round 1
Chicago's pick in Round 1: No. 3
Skinny: While Mike Williams' game is more reminiscent of Jeffery's coming out of South Carolina, Davis will likely be the higher-rated receiver. It's not likely Chicago would take Davis at No. 3 overall, but he could be a target if they move down a few spots in a trade. Davis is both a deep threat and reliable in the short-to-medium range with the speed, agility and power to win after the catch.
Josh Malone, Tennessee, Round 2
Chicago's pick in Round 2: No. 36
Skinny: Malone was Tennessee's Mr. Football as a high school senior, but didn't come into his own until his junior year in 2016 (50 catches for 972 yards, 11 touchdowns). His size (6-foot-2 3/4 , 208 pounds) and speed (4.4 40-yard dash) put him on the radar for scouts as a potential top-50 pick. The Bears could be looking his direction in the early second as the starter across from former first-round pick Kevin White.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC, Round 2
Chicago's pick in Round 2: No. 36
Skinny: If Malone is gone by the time the Bears pick in Round 2, Smith-Schuster's power would be a good replacement for Jeffery's. Smith-Schuster looked strong and relatively agile when he was catching passes at the NFL Scouting Combine, though many scouts have questions about his quickness and ability to stay healthy. Remember that Jeffery was not liked by many scouts coming out of school, falling to the Bears with the 45th selection of the 2012 draft; Smith-Schuster might be a similar find this season.
ArDarius Stewart, Alabama, Round 3
Chicago's pick in Round 3: No. 67
Skinny: The Bears might not choose to address the receiver position in the first or second round, so they might as well be the ones to find a future starter in Stewart. He didn't dominate the combine with his athleticism, but when scouts go back to the tape, they'll see a physical receiver who can snatch the ball from the air on the run or down the sideline for a big play.
Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M, Round 5
Chicago's pick in Round 5: No. 147
Skinny: Reynolds is a rare bird -- an underappreciated SEC receiver. At 194 pounds, he's not a thick pass-catcher, but he still finds a way to beat his man off the line and separate downfield. Reynolds is also a reliable target, crossing the 1,000-yard barrier and scoring 12 times as a senior. Don't be surprised if he wins a starting job in the NFL.
Alshon Jeffery is heading to Philly. The big receiver is signing a one-year deal with the Eagles, giving QB Carson Wentz another weapon, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
How will the Bears replace Jeffery?
Here are five candidates -- with a round noted for when they could come off the board -- they could consider in the 2017 NFL Draft.
NOTE: Click on each player's name for a full scouting report.
Corey Davis, Western Michigan, Round 1
Chicago's pick in Round 1: No. 3
Skinny: While Mike Williams' game is more reminiscent of Jeffery's coming out of South Carolina, Davis will likely be the higher-rated receiver. It's not likely Chicago would take Davis at No. 3 overall, but he could be a target if they move down a few spots in a trade. Davis is both a deep threat and reliable in the short-to-medium range with the speed, agility and power to win after the catch.
Josh Malone, Tennessee, Round 2
Chicago's pick in Round 2: No. 36
Skinny: Malone was Tennessee's Mr. Football as a high school senior, but didn't come into his own until his junior year in 2016 (50 catches for 972 yards, 11 touchdowns). His size (6-foot-2 3/4 , 208 pounds) and speed (4.4 40-yard dash) put him on the radar for scouts as a potential top-50 pick. The Bears could be looking his direction in the early second as the starter across from former first-round pick Kevin White.
JuJu Smith-Schuster, USC, Round 2
Chicago's pick in Round 2: No. 36
Skinny: If Malone is gone by the time the Bears pick in Round 2, Smith-Schuster's power would be a good replacement for Jeffery's. Smith-Schuster looked strong and relatively agile when he was catching passes at the NFL Scouting Combine, though many scouts have questions about his quickness and ability to stay healthy. Remember that Jeffery was not liked by many scouts coming out of school, falling to the Bears with the 45th selection of the 2012 draft; Smith-Schuster might be a similar find this season.
ArDarius Stewart, Alabama, Round 3
Chicago's pick in Round 3: No. 67
Skinny: The Bears might not choose to address the receiver position in the first or second round, so they might as well be the ones to find a future starter in Stewart. He didn't dominate the combine with his athleticism, but when scouts go back to the tape, they'll see a physical receiver who can snatch the ball from the air on the run or down the sideline for a big play.
Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M, Round 5
Chicago's pick in Round 5: No. 147
Skinny: Reynolds is a rare bird -- an underappreciated SEC receiver. At 194 pounds, he's not a thick pass-catcher, but he still finds a way to beat his man off the line and separate downfield. Reynolds is also a reliable target, crossing the 1,000-yard barrier and scoring 12 times as a senior. Don't be surprised if he wins a starting job in the NFL.
