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The 2015 Chicago Bears have new upper management, a new coaching staff, new schemes on both sides of the ball and plenty of new players. It will most likely be a transition year for the Bears as players struggle to learn the new schemes and the new coaches expectations, but the upside of all this change is opportunity. Multiple positions are up for grabs on both sides of the ball and I expect there to be plenty of new starters for the Bears this season.
I’ve been covering Bears players that I feel could be poised for breakout seasons and have already posted my defensive breakout prospects and new Bears receiver Eddie Royal. Today I’m covering another wide receiver, Marquess Wilson.
Marquess Wilson
When the Bears drafted WR Kevin White with the 7th overall pick this year, many fans assumed that was the end of 3rd-year WR Marquess Wilson’s time with the Bears. While White should eventually earn a starting spot across from Alshon Jeffery, new HC John Fox is notorious for not trusting rookies enough to give them significant snaps their first year in the league. White missed most of OTAs with an undisclosed injury which isn’t going to help his chances to earn Fox’s trust. With Alshon locked in as the Bears #1 and Eddie Royal in the slot, the #2 WR job could be up for grabs. The Bears don’t have much depth at receiver which leaves Wilson and the rookie White competing for the starting WR role.
At this time last year, Wilson was a popular pick as a breakout player after a strong offseason spent working out with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. The former 7th round pick was expecting to be the Bears #3 WR last season, but he broke a clavicle in the preseason and didn’t see the field until week 11. Wilson didn’t make much of an impact when he came back with 17 catches for 140 yards and a TD in 7 games. Some analysts believe that his disappointing play last season and the fact that he was drafted by the former regime have put Wilson on the bubble for a roster spot. Things change quick in the NFL.
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Wilson may have looked bad his first few games back last season, but showed some skill late in the season filling in for an injured Brandon Marshall with a TD in week 15 and 7 catch, 66 yard game against the Lions in week 16. The talent, size (6’4 | 205), and 4.51 speed that made Wilson a popular breakout pick in 2014 are still there and so is the opportunity to earn a starting WR job.
Wilson is off to a good start, earning some attention from HC John Fox for his performance in OTAs. According to Fox, “he’s worked hard, made some grabs, and caught the coaches’ eyes in these offseason workouts”. Even if Wilson doesn’t beat out Kevin White for the #2 WR job, he should be the favorite to win the 4th WR job.
With Kevin White falling behind after missing OTAs, John Fox’s reluctance to play rookies, and Wilson 100% healthy and off to a strong start in camp, I think he has a legitimate shot to win a starting wide receiver role. With defenses focused on established weapons like Jeffery, Forte, Bennett, and Royal, Wilson could be facing 1-1 coverage often and has the talent to exploit the lack of attention and have a breakout season for the Bears.
Next: Chicago Bears Potential Break Out Players: Eddie Royal