Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2018 4:17:51 GMT -6
Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel headline new WR depth chart for Bears
by Bryan Perez
bearswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/18/allen-robinson-taylor-gabriel-headline-new-wr-depth-chart-for-bears/
The Chicago Bears took a massive step toward resolving their wide receiver issues with the signings of Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel in free agency. Both players bring more downfield playmaking ability than any receiver Mitchell Trubisky had at his disposal in 2017.
Robinson is the elite talent. At 24 years old, he has a chance to re-write the Bears' record books if he returns to pre-injury form and makes good on his word when he said he wanted to retire in Chicago.
Gabriel will be the Bears' version of Tyreek Hill. He'll have a bigger role than at any point in his four-year career with the Browns and Falcons, and after his first few big plays, he'll become an instant fan favorite at Soldier Field.
Here's a projected depth chart at wide receiver heading into the offseason workout program and training camp. Ryan Pace is likely to add another name or two to this group, especially in the NFL Draft.
Starters:
Allen Robinson
-Robinson is the stud of the group and the go-to-guy in the Bears' offense. Assuming he's healthy, a season of 1,200 yards and 8 or more touchdowns should be expected.
Taylor Gabriel
-Despite his diminutive size, Gabriel is an outside receiver. He played only 94 of his 569 snaps last season in the slot. If Matt Nagy intends to use Gabriel like he used Hill last season, then it would be safe to expect roughly 35 percent of Gabriel's reps to come as the slot receiver.
Cameron Meredith
-Meredith, if healthy, will be on the field as a starting receiver. What his role will be, however, is a big unknown. If using the Chiefs as an example, Demarcus Robinson started opposite Tyreek Hill and played 83 percent of his snaps on the outside. Expect Meredith to be opposite Robinson when Gabriel slides inside to the slot.
Reserves:
Josh Bellamy
-Bellamy's roster spot should be safe in 2018. He's a very good special teams player and has been a hardworking backup when called upon.
Kevin White
-White, the former No. 7 pick, has as much upside as any receiver on the roster but he can't be counted on. He's an injury waiting to happen. At this point, it's a 'believe it when I see it' projection.
Tanner Gentry
-Gentry was the darling of training camp last year and should do even better in season No. 2. Whether there's room on the final roster after the additions of Robinson and Gabriel is tough to predict. He's a long shot.
Mekale McKay
-McKay was added to the Bears' practice squad late last year. He brings an intriguing height/speed combination (6-foot-4) and is a name to keep an eye on through the summer.
Demarcus Ayers
-Ayers was drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft after registering 98 catches for 1,222 yards and six touchdowns in his final collegiate season at Houston. He was added by the Bears late in 2017 and is unlikely to be more than a camp body.
by Bryan Perez
bearswire.usatoday.com/2018/03/18/allen-robinson-taylor-gabriel-headline-new-wr-depth-chart-for-bears/
The Chicago Bears took a massive step toward resolving their wide receiver issues with the signings of Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel in free agency. Both players bring more downfield playmaking ability than any receiver Mitchell Trubisky had at his disposal in 2017.
Robinson is the elite talent. At 24 years old, he has a chance to re-write the Bears' record books if he returns to pre-injury form and makes good on his word when he said he wanted to retire in Chicago.
Gabriel will be the Bears' version of Tyreek Hill. He'll have a bigger role than at any point in his four-year career with the Browns and Falcons, and after his first few big plays, he'll become an instant fan favorite at Soldier Field.
Here's a projected depth chart at wide receiver heading into the offseason workout program and training camp. Ryan Pace is likely to add another name or two to this group, especially in the NFL Draft.
Starters:
Allen Robinson
-Robinson is the stud of the group and the go-to-guy in the Bears' offense. Assuming he's healthy, a season of 1,200 yards and 8 or more touchdowns should be expected.
Taylor Gabriel
-Despite his diminutive size, Gabriel is an outside receiver. He played only 94 of his 569 snaps last season in the slot. If Matt Nagy intends to use Gabriel like he used Hill last season, then it would be safe to expect roughly 35 percent of Gabriel's reps to come as the slot receiver.
Cameron Meredith
-Meredith, if healthy, will be on the field as a starting receiver. What his role will be, however, is a big unknown. If using the Chiefs as an example, Demarcus Robinson started opposite Tyreek Hill and played 83 percent of his snaps on the outside. Expect Meredith to be opposite Robinson when Gabriel slides inside to the slot.
Reserves:
Josh Bellamy
-Bellamy's roster spot should be safe in 2018. He's a very good special teams player and has been a hardworking backup when called upon.
Kevin White
-White, the former No. 7 pick, has as much upside as any receiver on the roster but he can't be counted on. He's an injury waiting to happen. At this point, it's a 'believe it when I see it' projection.
Tanner Gentry
-Gentry was the darling of training camp last year and should do even better in season No. 2. Whether there's room on the final roster after the additions of Robinson and Gabriel is tough to predict. He's a long shot.
Mekale McKay
-McKay was added to the Bears' practice squad late last year. He brings an intriguing height/speed combination (6-foot-4) and is a name to keep an eye on through the summer.
Demarcus Ayers
-Ayers was drafted by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2016 NFL Draft after registering 98 catches for 1,222 yards and six touchdowns in his final collegiate season at Houston. He was added by the Bears late in 2017 and is unlikely to be more than a camp body.