Fourth-year wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is the best player on the Chicago Bears. That is at least, according to one writer. Leading up to training camp, which begins this week, Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com completed a list ranking the players on the Chicago Bears’ roster.
Dickerson’s list featured some interesting choices, including new wide receiver Eddie Royal at number eight, quarterback Jay Cutler at five and major free agent addition Pernell McPhee at number four. There are some many players who could be considered, but it is Jeffery who tops Dickerson’s list.
"“Jeffery started all 16 games last year, catching 85 passes for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns,” Dickerson wrote. “In three years with Chicago, Jeffery has 198 receptions for 2,921 yards and 20 touchdowns over 42 games (36 starts).” “He became only the fourth player in franchise history to record consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons and has eight career 100-yard receiving games. Jeffery was not entirely healthy for much of 2014, but ranked in the NFL’s top-15 in receiving touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards.”"
The 6-foot-4, 230-pound Jeffery has an impressive combination of size, strength and athleticism that makes him a near impossible player to defend on the outside. Jeffery is clearly one of he most talented receivers in the entire NFL, and with Brandon Marshall now running routes for the New York Jets, Jeffery has a chance to prove himself as an elite number one NFL WR.
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Jeffery also has a chance for a big payday. With his rookie deal set to expire following the 2015 season, the Bears are going to have to pay Jeffery at a premium price or risk losing him to free agency. If he can prove to be a legitimate number one option without Marshall, Jeffery is going to be looking at a huge payday.
That will of course, be a decision made by the new regime that is taking over in the Windy City. For starters, head coach John Fox certainly appears to be a fan:
“(Alshon is) very gifted, no doubt,” Fox said in June, according to Dickerson. “He’s got a great catch radius. He’s got a good knack for the game. I think the thing that probably I didn’t know before getting here was how hard he works at it. He’s done everything we’ve asked.”
Jeffery has a chance to shine under Fox and offensive coordinator Adam Gase this season, and it is certainly nice to see the head coach have such a positive view on him in the early going. When it comes down to it, the Bears’ offense will look much different this season. Jeffery may not be the most important offensive player (that is saved for Cutler), but he is one who can (and probably will) make a huge difference.
Dec 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) catches a touchdown pass over New Orleans Saints defensive back A.J. Davis (20) during the second half at Soldier Field. New Orleans won 31-15. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Jeffery is great, but is he really the best player who the Bears have to offer? A case could certainly be made for running back Matt Forte who has long-been the focal point of the offense. Kyle Long has become one of the best young offensive lineman in the NFL, he could also be considered. As could McPhee and Kyle Fuller from the defensive side of the ball.
When push comes to shove, I would probably agree with Dickerson and list Jeffery as the best player currently on the Bears’ roster. That being said, Long would come in a close second, and get a lot of consideration for the top spot.
What do you think BGO readers? Did Dickerson get it right? Or do you have another player in mind? Vote below, and do not be afraid to voice your opinion and get the conversation started in the comment section.
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