Top 10 Sleeper Wide Receivers For The Bears In The 2016 NFL Draft
PLAYER OVERVIEW:
Malcolm Mitchell-Georgia-What can I say I love me some Malcolm Mitchell. I kind of wavered on the sleeper thing because he is pretty well-known, but I don’t think this kid gets nearly the love he should, so that’s where the sleeper part comes in. I see a highly productive career for this guy. Equally as good as the one’s you might expect from the likes of OSU’s Braxton Miller, and Oklahoma’s Sterling Sheppard. He is an ultra tough competitor which will serve him well on special teams just as much as in an offense. Showed his work ethic and resolve battling back from an ACL tear in 2013 after breaking out as a freshman (All SEC) with 85 catches 8 scores, and 1200 plus yards. Had a tough two seasons prior to his senior season where his production was not as prolific, but a lot of that can be attributed to the power run first offense they ran with Nick Chubb being the star and number one option in Georgia’s offensive game plans. He’s an all in type just like the types Fox and company are looking for.
MEASUREABLES AND PRODUCTION:
As wrongfully interpreted by many want to be media scouts Mitchell showed he has plenty of speed to be productive down the field and to make defensive backs honest by giving him a little space. I also believe he’ll garner more attention by offensive coordinators as he develops more experience in the NFL. Only 6 feet in height, but huge hands, and long arms give him a big catch radius. His combine numbers were very good You can see them here. Which of course he sat on during his pro day electing only to run drills. He was pretty productive despite having his Sophomore season lost due to an ACL tear appearing in only one game, and then only eight games and three starts in his 2014 Junior season, but came back strong in his 2015 senior season. Here is his profile page at Georgia covering his production and accolades.
SCOUTING REPORT:
Positives: I’ve read a lot of reports of him not having the long speed needed to earn the respect of some of the faster cornerbacks giving him some cushion, but I saw no such thing. On tape he looks plenty fast and plenty quick too. Great cutting ability which makes him dangerous once the ball is in his hands and should aid him well as a developing route runner. Blocks with purpose in the run game and on zero routes, as well as downfield. Loves to mix it up. Very physical. Strong hands that enable him to catch anything in his range and it is a very large range with long arms to catch and snatch as well as high point. Explosive leaping ability helps him go up and get it over defensive backs, and makes him a nice red zone option. Can play anywhere on the field. X, Y, or Z. On top of that he’s an exemplary man off the field heavily involved in the community. Great teammate, and leader as he was named offensive captain. Some people have him ranked as a day 3 pick, and if he’s there in the 4th and they haven’t yet picked a wide receiver I would urge the Bears to go get this kid.
Negatives: Hard for me to find any except for his past knee issue, which in my opinion he answered with an excellent 2015 season and a pretty damn good pre-draft workout showing. Some would say lack of long speed, but I find it hard to say that by watching his tape, and than looking at these measureables he put up at the combine.
Next: Wide Receiver Sleeper #7