Chicago Bears News: Wide Receiver Predictions and Other News
Good morning Bears’ fans, and welcome to the latest installment of Bear Dawn. It is time to check out all of the news and notes throughout the web for Thursday, July 2nd, 2015.
Adam Lefkoe and Chris Simms of Bleacher Report took a look at the expected production out of the Bears’ receiving corps for the upcoming season. Overall, it was a very positive piece, where Simms projects the Chicago Bears’ receivers to be very effective. He also makes a mention of the Bears as a bit of a sleeper team, noting that he likes the offense and even the defense. Kind of out of nowhere, but interesting nonetheless.
Simms’ specific statistic predictions for the Bears’ four top receivers are particularly interesting. He puts Marquess Wilson down for 45 receptions for 700 yards and three touchdowns, and Eddie Royal for 70 receptions for 800 yards and four touchdowns. Both probably a bit higher than I would predict for right now, but certainly within range.
His projection of 70 receptions for 1,050 yards and “double-digit touchdowns” is certainly a bold prediction. If White is able to put up those kind of numbers, the Bears’ offense is going to be very difficult to stop, and White is going to be a serious Rookie of the Years candidate. With White, it all depends on how quick he picks things up. He is an extremely talented receiver; the sky is the limit.
Alshon Jeffery is the only Bears’ receiver who Simms predicts on the low-side, as he comes in with a projection of 80 receptions for 850 yards and eight touchdowns. Seems pretty light to me, but I suppose if White is going to be as dominant as Simms thinks, it would probably cut into Jeffery’s production. That being said, I feel pretty confident in saying that Jeffery will eclipse at least those yardage and touchdown projections.
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kevin White (West Virginia) is selected as the number seven overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Another interest piece from Bleacher Report as Matt Eurich takes a crack at the back of the Bears’ roster projections. Some interesting takes by Eurich as he looks at the “Last 5 In, Last 5 Out.”
ESPN.com Bears Insider Jeff Dickerson asks his NFC North colleagues whether the Bears did enough this off season to be considered a top 20 defensive unit. The results are relatively mixed. Despite the lack of players who clearly fit his defense, I think the addition of Vic Fangio alone gives the Bears a good chance to improve enough to grab a top 20 ranking in 2015. They will be far from dominant, but this Bears’ defense has some talent, and they will look very good at times.
NFL Network did a nice feature on Bears’ rookie Kevin White.
Only 28 days until the Bears report to Bourbonnais for training camp, and as of today, only 73 days until the regular season opener. Look out for a couple of Countdown to Kickoff pieces today, as the Bears currently list two interesting rookies at the number 73. I did a feature on Jermon Bushrod yesterday to countdown the days until the season opener.
That is all for now Bears’ fans! Have a great day. Bear Down!
Next: Which Bears are Featured on the 2015 All-NFC North Team?