Mid-Preseason Grades: Wide Receivers
How would every wide receiver grade out after training camp and two games in the preseason?
Kevin White, B
White has had an interesting offseason off of the field. The reports about reworking his running motion, and why he was watching his old college tape caused a ruckus. However, on the field in his preseason play, he has caught just two passes for one yard. He has yet to show much, but a lot of that goes on Mike Glennon. His status has remained unchanged and he sits at an even B.
Cameron Meredith, B
Meredith too has fallen victim to the worst quarterback on the team being the starter. He was able to get down the field on one play but has just two catches for 23 yards. However, like White his status has not changed, most of the blame goes to Glennon and sits at a steady B.
Kendall Wright, A
When the Bears signed Victor Cruz, it became debated which receiver of the two would rise to be a roster lock. The easy winner at this point in the game is Wright. Wright has seen all the starter’s snaps in the slot all preseason. He has three catches for 23 yards and caught Glennon’s only touchdown. Not only is he a roster lock, he is becoming an intriguing starting option.
Markus Wheaton, F
Wheaton’s start to his Bears career has been as bad as the finish to his Steelers career. It started with an appendix and has gone to a broken pinky finger. Bizarre things cannot avoid Wheaton and he has hardly stepped foot on any field. This is not what the Bears envisioned when signing him.
Victor Cruz, D
On one hand, Cruz is getting snaps with Mitchell Trubisky. On the other, he is playing in the late portions of preseason games. This is not the same Victor Cruz. He has a touchdown from Trubisky, however, he has just three catches for 11 yards. If he is the fifth receiver and does not bring special teams value he is closing in on a camp cut.
Josh Bellamy, B
Bellamy has two receptions for 25 yards. He has also shown ability on special teams. As mentioned with Cruz, a guy like Bellamy wins bottom of the roster jobs over players such as Cruz for special teams roles.
Deonte Thompson, A
Speaking of special teams, Thompson may be locking down a roster spot with what he is doing. He has fared well returning kicks and even returned a missed field goal for a touchdown to close out a half. Thompson has also made a few plays in the passing game and is proving to be a relied on option.
Tanner Gentry, B
Gentry has three receptions for 32 yards. He has shown his length that is wanted and an ability to create some space for himself. However, he has done it in a limited capacity. He is likely to make the practice squad but has not quite earned a roster spot.
Daniel Braverman, F
Braverman has not be included in the offense in the preseason at all. He has gotten some special teams chances, but fumbled an onside kick attempt and lost the ball for the team. Gentry has passed him as the special team’s receiver, so there is really no role for Braverman.
Titus Davis, C-
Davis has one reception for 14 yards. While his involvement being more than Braverman is a nice indictment, it probably speaks to Braverman more than Davis.