Predicting which Current Chicago Bears will be Future Assets

Wide Receivers

Alshon Jeffery– Yes– What is there to examine? He’s an elite WR and has shown that the Bears must keep him on the roster and sign him to a long-term deal. He has some injury trouble but that is not nearly enough of a reason to pass on keeping a player of this skill on the roster.
Kevin White– Questionable– White was showing some ability and was trending towards ‘probable’ but unfortunately another injury that will most likely end his season has cemented him in at ‘questionable.’ White will still have two more seasons to prove that he’s worth keeping around, but it will be interesting to see how much this injury slows his development. Pace still has high hopes for this young man.
Eddie Royal– Questionable– Royal had a disastrous 2015 season but has played very well this season. Royal is 30 and a free agent after this season which would make you think the Bears aren’t going to keep him, but if he has a very good season and continues to excel in the slot, the Bears may keep him if they aren’t confident that Daniel Braverman can take over this role in 2017.
Cameron Meredith– Probable– This isn’t based on just one great game against the Colts, this is based on the fact that he has continually improved and that the coaching staff really loves his game. Meredith finally got his chance and showed how much his unique skills, size and speed can be an asset to a team. Meredith will stick around and be a part of this team’s wide receiving corps for the next several years.
Deonte Thompson– Doubtful– Thompson is a kick return specialist with a little upside at WR. The problem is that the NFL is focusing on trying to make kickoffs obsolete. Thompson’s long-term future with the team is bleak.
Josh Bellamy– No– With the emergence of Meredith, there is little reason to think Bellamy will be on this team after this season.
Marquess Wilson– Doubtful– Wilson shows flashes of talent but he can’t stay on the field. With White, Jeffery, Meredith and Royal/Braverman, Wilson doesn’t seem like his future is any higher than a WR5 at this point. With the injuries, the Bears will almost certainly look another direction in the near future.
Daniel Braverman– Unknown– Braverman still could develop into a talented possession receiver but he wasn’t ready this season. After a year on the practice squad, if the Bears like what they see they may give him a chance in 2017. Keep a close eye on what Pace decides to do with Royal in the offseason. That decision will directly impact Braverman’s future with the team.