Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Kevin White (West Virginia) greets NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being 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
The Chicago Bears have made the first selection of the Ryan Pace era, selecting wide receiver Kevin White out of West Virginia. White dazzled at the NFL Scouting Combine, running a 4.35 40. The Bears get an immediate starter to try to fill the void left by the Brandon Marshall trade. Here’s what CBS Sports had to say about White:
"Tall, slender frame with good muscle definition and functional strength in contested situations. Outstanding leaping ability and reflexes to make adjustments to easily secure balls away from his body and is at his best highpointing and plucking with his large, reliable hands.Very good foot quickness to beat press and get vertical in a hurry with his downfield acceleration. Displays above average coordination and footwork in his breaks to create separation at the top of his routes and catch the ball without breaking stride to create after the reception.Quick feet and good vision to plan after the catch, displaying his ability to create and be more than a chain-mover. Uses his size to overpower defenders on occasion, breaking tackles to gain yardage after the catch."
At 6’3″, White has ideal size to play on the outside. His speed will add a new dimension to the Bears offense that was often stuck in the mud. White will attempt to take the top off opposing defenses.
Critics of White will point to a lack of consistency, only having done it at for one season in West Virginia’s system. But he’s more than a product of the system. Besides his blazing speed, he’s strong; putting up 23 reps in the bench press at the Combine. He might still be a little raw, but many experts believe that he has the most upside of any of the wide receivers in the class. He’s drawn comparisons to Julio Jones. I could live with that.
I had the chance to sit down with White at a pre-draft event last night. I’ll be cutting up the tape and sharing his quotes in an upcoming post. Stay tuned.
Welcome Kevin White!