Chicago Bears: What to Expect From Kevin White as a Rookie
One of the most interesting moves the Chicago Bears made this off season was their decision to trade wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets. While he was certainly controversial, a questionable teammate and an aging player, Marshall was still a strong target in the passing game for quarterback Jay Cutler.
The Bears selected wide receiver Kevin White with the seventh overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, and he will very likely be the one to replace Marshall in the Bears’ offense. White enters the NFL as a true elite prospect at the wide receiver position.
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With an incredible combination of size (6-foot-3, 215 pounds), speed (4.35 40-yard dash at the combine), strength and athleticism, White has superstar star potential written all over him.
On the field, White attacks the ball very well in the air, has very consistent hands and is an efficient route runner. Based on pure skills at the wide receiver position, he has the total package.
It will be very interesting to see how new head coach John Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase get White involved in the passing game. With veteran options like Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, Matt Forte and Eddie Royal also valuable weapons, Cutler will have many good choices to throw to.
Sep 7, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) is congratulated for scoring a touchdown by wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
With so many reliable targets in the Bears’ offense, it will be hard for defenses to pay too much attention to White. This could allow him a great opportunity to shine as a rookie.
White does have great speed, but his short-space quickness leaves plenty to be desired. Expecting him to take a short pass and make something out of nothing would be a mistake. That is simply not his game.
He is however, an extremely dangerous deep threat. If defenses are paying too much attention to Jeffery, White has plenty of talent to make them pay deep on the other side. Also, Cutler’s strong throwing arm will compliment White’s deep skills very well.
With his great athleticism and natural aggressiveness on the field, White also excels in jump ball situations. He has incredible timing with his jumps, catching the ball at its highest point with regularity. He can also out-muscle a strong majority of defensive backs, which will certainly come in handy in those jump ball situations as well.
When it comes down to it, White has a chance to be a special receiver in the Bears’ offense. It may take him a little bit of time to get acclimated to the NFL game, but his obvious talents on the field make him a near bust-proof player.
Replacing the aging Marshall for the young and exciting White is a move that will greatly benefit the Bears both now, and in the future.
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