The Bear Goggles on Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway for the second season in a row. With 11 days to go until the Bears’ season kicks off, we will highlight the Bears’ player that is wearing number 11, Kevin White.
2016 Review
Another year, another injury. That was the case for Kevin White last season, his second after being selected 7th overall by the Bears in the 2015 NFL draft. The West Virginia product missed his entire rookie season with a stress fracture in his foot. White came back in 2016 but looked tentative in the first couple weeks. After starting to regain his confidence, White broke his leg in the fourth game of the season. White had 6 catches in each of his last two games, which made the injury that much more difficult for Kevin and Bears fans.
2017 Outlook
The devastating injury to Bears WR Cam Meredith changed the outlook for Kevin White’s season in one play. After thinking they could count on Meredith and be happy with any production from White, the pressure is now on him again to be the Bears’ number one receiver. Similar to last year, White has looked better in each preseason game. With a miscellaneous group of receivers, the Bears are just begging for someone to step up. It is hard to project any type of production for Kevin White, as there is not much of a precedent for receivers who miss most of their first two seasons.
If the injuries he suffered are random one-off injuries, then the biggest hurdle White will face will be mental. Fractures and breaks are easier to come back from and regain explosiveness as opposed to any tendon or ligament injuries. Once he can start running full speed without thinking, he still has a chance to be a very productive NFL player. If White plays all 16 games, I predict he will have around 70 catches for just over 1000 yards.
Future with the Bears
The future of Kevin White is very much dependent on this season, and there is a wide range of scenarios that can take place going forward. If White plays up to or close to his potential, which is the scenario the Bears would prefer, they will have a solid WR signed through next year with an option for his 5th year. If things do not go well this season, White’s smaller dead cap number next season will make him easier to cut. Only time will tell how Kevin White’s career and future with the Bears will play out, but everything seems to be on the table.