Updated Wide Receiver Depth Chart Projections: Post Victor Cruz signing
Now that Victor Cruz has signed, how will the Bears wide receiver depth chart play out
The Bears wide receiver depth chart has seen a lot shifting in shuffling over the past few months. There will surely be a lot of competition entering training camp, and almost no job is guaranteed. Now that Victor Cruz is signed and in the mix, how should the Bears depth chart play out next season?
1. Kevin White
White will still get the most chances to prove himself and be a great threat on the outside. He has obviously dealt with a lot of injury issues, and after missing most of two seasons, his status is what would drive a team to sign Cruz. However, he is still currently number one.
2. Cameron Meredith
Meredith is the best bet to lead the team in receiving yards. He has had issues with drops and fumbles, and on most strong units is a secondary option. However, with the questions around White and the lack of talent at the top of the depth chart, he will get a great chance.
3. Markus Wheaton
Wheaton is a nice compliment to Meredith. Both can play the slot and the outside and while Wheaton brings deep threat ability, Meredith is a better big slot, possession option.
4. Victor Cruz
Cruz likely falls into fourth on the depth chart. He is a true slot option and with injury questions to White and Wheaton, and performance issues surrounding Meredith he can easily see the field a lot.
5. Kendall Wright
Wright will have the best chance of the rest to see the field. He is the fourth highest paid wide receiver on the team and was signed before Cruz. Cruz has a bit of a better track record but it would be no surprise to see the team choose Wright over Cruz.
6. Rueben Randle
While Wright, Cruz, and Wheaton play mostly in the slot, Randle could bump ahead of one of them just because he is an outside threat. Randle has issues with separation and does not have the most reliable hands, but he is the most tenured option of the remaining players.
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7. Daniel Braverman
Braverman is going to have a hard time making the team in 2017. He is strictly a slot option, and the team has gone out and acquired multiple slot players to fill the hole.
8. Josh Bellamy
Bellamy may even have a better shot than Braverman. This again comes back to Bellamy being able to play on the outside, while Braverman can only play the slot. Bellamy also could make an impact on special teams that puts him above a player such as Randle.
9. Tanner Gentry
Gentry is another outside option. Gentry has the size and the speed to beat out Bellamy and Randle on the outside. However, he is an undrafted free agent and can likely find his way onto the practice squad for his rookie year.
10. Deonte Thompson
The room is getting mighty crowded for Thompson. He has a claim to return duties, but the Bears do have other options and he will likely be replaced this season.