Chicago Bears 2015 Position Preview: WR
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Unknowns
Levi Norwood
Norwood has good size (6’2 | 200), enough speed (4.57) and the athleticism (6.78 3-cone, 10’3″ broad jump) to be an NFL receiver. Baylor was stocked with quality receivers so Norwood’s numbers weren’t overwhelming (35, 319, 2), but he produced when targeted. Norwood also has experience returning punts and ran two back for touchdowns in 2013. He doesn’t stand out anywhere as a receiver, but is talented enough to be competent at the NFL level. Norwood was a priority undrafted free agent so the Bears new regime must like him at least a little and his punt return ability may be enough to earn him the 5th WR job.
John Chiles
At 6’2, 212 pounds with 4.42 speed and a 40″ vertical, Chiles definitely looks like an NFL wide receiver. After being signed by the Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Texas, Chiles has bounced around between NFL practice squads and the Canadian league. His best year in the CFL was 2013 with 44 catches for 725 yards and 8 TDs. Chiles has yet to get a legitimate chance in the NFL, but has the athleticism to play in the league and is only 26 so there is still hope.
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Rashad Lawrence
Like Chiles, Lawrence is a big receiver (6’1 | 196) with good speed (4.49), and athleticism (39″ vertical). He also has unusually large hands for his size (10″). Lawrence showed the ability to catch the ball over the middle despite hard contact and was a team captain at Northwestern which seems to be important to the Bears new management team. His ability to contribute on special teams will ultimately decide whether Lawrence makes the team, but any impact he can provide on offense will help his chances to earn the 5th WR job.
Cameron Meredith
Another big receiver (6’3 | 208) with good speed (4.49) and athleticism (39″ vertical, 10’7″ broad jump, 6.76 3-cone). Meredith played against low-caliber competition at Illinois St, but was productive (66, 1061, 9). He lacks the strength to deal with physical NFL corners, but after a year on the practice squad in an NFL strength program, Meredith could be a potentially dangerous receiver.