Nov 14, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; UCF Knights wide receiver Breshad Perriman (11) catches a 25-yard touchdown pass as the Knights beat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane 31-7 at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
With the draft just roughly a month away Bear Goggles On will be breaking down a wide range of options for the Chicago Bears 2015 draft. We’ll profile different positions and different rounds where players who might fit with the Bears new management regime.
Breshad Perriman, WR , Central Florida
There’s been a lot of emphasis on the defensive side of the ball, but the Bears created a major void on offense when they traded away Brandon Marshall. Some experts have tabbed the Bears selecting one of the top wide receivers at the #7 spot, but with a deep wide receiver class, they could still get an impact player like Breshad Perriman from Marshall’s University of Central Florida alma mater later in the draft.
College Career:
Breshad Perriman led the Knights receivers in his junior season with 50 catches for 1044 yards and nine touchdowns despite losing his former quarterback Blake Bortles to the NFL after his sophomore season, a season in which he averaged nearly 21 yards per catch. Perriman has an NFL pedigree, with his father Brett Perriman having had a couple of 1000 yard receiving seasons for the Detroit Lions. He declared for the draft after his junior season.
Strengths:
Despite not participating in the NFL Combine due to a hamstring injury, Perriman lit up scout’s stopwatches in his Pro Day, recording a pair of sub-4.3 40’s. That speed with pair nicely with his large frame to make him a deep threat. He’s got big soft hands and the athleticism to make circus catches like in the Highlights section below.
Weaknesses:
Like a lot of young, inexperienced wide receivers, Perriman lacks polish in his route running and technique. There’s a concern that despite his speed, he may lack the suddenness to excel at the next level. He can take plays off at times.
Bears Fit:
The Bears have Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal as their top pass catchers now that they’ve sent Brandon Marshall along with a 7th round draft pick off to the New York Jets for a 5th rounder. The Bears have been in need of a receiver to take the top off opposing defenses and Perriman’s sub 4.3 40 yard dash times make him an ideal candidate to do that. Based on his late first round draft projection, Perriman would either need to slip into the second round or the Bears would likely target him if they traded down out of the #7 spot.
Draft Projection:
Late 1st round