Bear Goggles On
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Predicting Every Chicago Bears Starter and Next Man Up

By Bill Zimmerman

Jun 14, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talks to quarterbacks David Fales (8) and Brian Hoyer (12) during mini-camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talks to quarterbacks David Fales (8) and Brian Hoyer (12) during mini-camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback Melvin White (23) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) scores a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback Melvin White (23) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receivers

WR1

1. Alshon Jeffery- Jeffery is the Bears best offensive player. He has Pro Bowl caliber talent and will be Cutler’s number one weapon. He will play this season under the franchise tag and the Bears will give another effort in 2017 to sign him to a long-term deal. As long as Jeffery stays healthy, he should put up monster numbers for the Bears in 2016.

2. Cameron Meredith- Meredith made the roster last season as an undrafted rookie out of Illinois State. He showed some serious flashes of ability during his limited opportunities last season and he has the type of attitude and commitment that Pace and John Fox love. He isn’t a lock to make the roster, but the Bears will give him every opportunity to succeed.

WR2

1. Kevin White- White was the Bears first round selection in 2015 but missed all of last season with a shin injury. White could take some time to develop, but the Bears are expecting big things from White this season. He has crazy measurables and off-the-charts athleticism and he will be a fun guy to watch to see how that all translates to an NFL field.

2. Josh Bellamy- Of the six players listed here, I think Bellamy’s roster spot is most in jeopardy. He has some ability but has bounced around the league since his career began in 2012. He can be a productive rotational receiver, but by no means does he really figure into the Bears long-term plans and if they find a better, younger option other than Bellamy, he won’t be back in 2016.

Slot

1. Eddie Royal- Royal had great chemistry with Cutler back in Denver in back in 2008 when he caught 91 balls from him. The Bears hoped they would rekindle that chemistry last season and it just didn’t happen. Royal struggled when he was on the field, and missed plenty of time due to injury and had arguably the worst season of his career. If Royal struggles again, his role will be quickly given to the next man up.

2. Daniel Braverman- Braverman is that next man up. The Bears selected him in the seventh round of this year’s draft and there has seemingly never been a late round pick with this much hype prior to their rookie season. The Bears expect Braverman to develop into a tremendous slot receiver that can develop into a Wes Welker or Julian Edelman type for Cutler to utilize. His time may be limited as a rookie, but if he plays well early, he will start to steal snaps from Royal before the season ends.

Player to Watch: Marquess Wilson- Wilson is a talented holdover from the Emery era but just can’t stay healthy. Wilson suffered another setback in OTAs re-fracturing the foot that ended his 2015 season. He won’t be able to participate in training camp or preseason games, and the Bears may choose to go another direction.

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