It is rare that a player gets claimed on waivers when you are trying to sneak them onto the practice squad. Javon Wims is the rare player who will get claimed
When the Chicago Bears drafted Javon Wims in the seventh round out of Georgia, there was high hope. However, there was not a clear and definitive path to the roster. With significant additions in the offseason, including in the round ahead of him the receiver room went from bare to loaded rather quickly.
He entered camp knowing that Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Anthony Miller and a healthy Kevin White were locked on ahead of him. The team may only keep five or six receivers at most.
Javon Wims has never played a snap on special teams while Josh Bellamy and Bennie Fowler have made livings there. Tanner Gentry profiles as a special teamer as well. Add in Marlon Brown and competition was fierce.
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Wims exploded in the Hall of Fame game which warranted a boost up in playing time. However, from there he went quiet. The quiet spell was starting to put his roster status right back on that fringe.
Of course, that is until the third week of the preseason. Wims exploded with a four reception for 114-yard performance that featured a touchdown. He showed yards after the catch ability on a 54-yard dash and hauled in a touchdown while dragging his feet on the sideline.
He proved in that game that he needs to be on an NFL roster, and not a practice squad. If the Chicago Bears cannot fit him on their roster, somebody will. The 2017 Bears would have prayed for a receiver like Javon Wims to get cut.
It is starting to become clear that the Chicago Bears will keep six wide receivers, thanks to the special teams efforts of Josh Bellamy. This should ensure Javon Wims on the roster.
Wims can poor whip cream on his sundae if he likes in Week Four, but he should have put enough on display to have already earned a job.