Chicago Bears Roster Review: Josh Bellamy

Aug 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars free safety Josh Evans (26) breaks up the pass against Chicago Bears wide receiver Josh Bellamy (11) during the third quarter of the preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has quite a rebuilding project on his hands. In the next phase of our Chicago Bears Roster Review, we look at the players who are currently on the Bears roster. We’ll look back at their 2014 season and look ahead to how they might fit into the team’s plans in 2015.

Josh Bellamy, WR, Age 25

2014 Review

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Bellamy was acquired off waivers by the Bears on April 8, 2014 from the Redskins. The Bears signed him to the team’s practice squad on September 1 after waiving him earlier for final roster cuts and he was activated on September 13. He only appeared in 4 games last season and only had 1 target with 0 catches. He was used sparingly on special teams in those 4 games and did not record a special teams tackle. He was obviously not in the plans for last season outside of the practice squad.

2015 Outlook

The only actual play that I can judge Bellamy on is some preseason work and training camp observations, so there’s not a lot to go on here to make a good suggestion. What I have seen of Bellamy first hand at camp is that he has some good strength with reliable hands. The scouting report on Bellamy is that he is a good possession receiver that has good ability to adjust to the ball in many situations. He is said to not have that break away speed and has never really put up big numbers at the college level or pro level. The Bears did not use him last year but still kept him around the practice squad for the entire season, so there must be something that they see in him long term. With that said, that regime is gone (hooray!) and the Ryan Pace/John Fox regime may have different plans for him.

Here’s what I do know – the wide receiver position needs some upgrading. It is still a little bit of a mystery as to why the Bears traded Brandon Marshall for a low round pick, leaving them in a predicament at the WR position. Was it his attitude? Maybe – only the Bears front office knows that answer but there aren’t many NFL wide receivers that don’t have an “attitude.” Was it to get young? Maybe – but why did they go out and sign 28 year old Eddie Royal? If they wanted to find a dual threat WR that returns kicks as well then I can see the reason for the signing. However, there are 1000+ yards and 8+ TDs of production that the Bears have to replace now and I don’t think Bellamy or Royal are even close to being that guy. Attitude or not, that is a lot of production that was given away for basically nothing and I still find myself wondering how that made the Bears better. As for Bellamy, he is young and should be kept around to compete for a spot, especially seeing that 3rd year hopeful Marquess Wilson does not appear to have anything locked up (as he shouldn’t). If Bellamy can earn a roster spot he could be used as a situational possession receiver in the slot and even in the return game. His main competition will be Wilson and Marc Mariani. He will have to pick up his game if he wants to be in the plans, especially if the Bears address the WR position at pick #7 which looks very likely.

What do you think about Josh Bellamy? What do you think about the state of the WR position in general? I want to hear your thoughts!

BEAR DOWN!!!!!

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