Chicago Bears Preseason Game #4: Stock Watch (Offense)

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

RB Jeremy Langford – Had his second long run of the preseason with a 33-yarder where he made a sharp cut once through the hole and almost broke a long TD run. Langford did have one drop tonight, but besides that showed great vision, patience, and the potential to be a solid NFL running back.

WR Marc Mariani – His roster spot was already fairly secure due to his return ability, but Mariani showed some chops as a wide receiver tonight with a nice 19-yard TD catch and a couple other short catches in traffic. It’s unknown still which Bear receivers will be available for week 1, so one of the backups may be getting significant snaps against the Packers and if I had to pick one today it would be Mariani.

WR Ify Umodo – A non-factor going into last week, but his punt block / TD return put Umodu on the radar and tonight he was involved in the highlight of the game, catching an 19-yard pass in the corner of the end zone and getting both his feet down for a TD. He also caught a couple of screen passes and showed some surprising athleticism. Umodo is raw, but he has ideal size (6’3 | 215) and has made big plays for two weeks in a row.

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

OT Tayo Fabuluje – Could the Bears have found their starting right tackle? In Fabuluje’s first extended action (33 snaps), he played better at right tackle than either Leno or Mills have this preseason. It’s only one game, against 2nd & 3rd stringers at that, but Fabuluje, a 6th round pick this year, was solid in both run blocking and pass pro finishing with the highest grade on the offense from Pro Football Focus (+1.8).

WR Cameron Meredith – Had four catches for 26 yards, which isn’t eye-catching but two of his catches were tough ones in traffic, he has excellent size (6’3 | 207), and has been the most impressive of the bubble WRs in the first few preseason games (imo). His primary competition for a roster spot, Josh Bellamy, made a couple nice plays tonight as well and doesn’t have practice squad eligibility which may push Meredith to the practice squad, but he showed enough this preseason to potentially have a future with the Bears.