Chicago Bears: These sophomore players must improve to make playoffs

Riley Ridley could still be in the Chicago Bears plans for the near future.

The Chicago Bears selected Riley Ridley as the best player available in the fourth round. Many fans were expecting the Georgia alumni to be on the field early and produce. Ridley played in five games catching all but one pass of the seven that was targeted his way.

Javon Wims played in four games his rookie year and only missed one pass on five targets, but his sophomore year produced less than appealing results. Wims caught 46.2% off passes targeted his way to include a dropped touchdown that made me cringe when Mitch Trubisky threw a dart into a tight window where the ball bounced off Wim’s hands.

Ridley was known as one of the better route-running styled receivers in the 2019 NFL draft. If Ridley can continue to ascend, he could become a valid outside number two receiver that could potentially spell Allen Robinson when he needs a breather.

Ridley needs to stay focused on his route-running and hands to make sure he finds a way on the field. While the quarterback play seems to be inconsistent, having receivers who can get open early from RPO’s and catch passes that aren’t exactly on target would benefit for having additional playmakers.

A young core of receivers in Anthony Miller, Riley Ridley, and Darnell Mooney all have things in common, yet in different styles. Miller is a slot styled route-runner, Ridley is outside styled route-runner, and Mooney is a speed designed route-runner.

Ridley does not possess the speed of Mooney or the explosives of Miller. Ridley was compared to the Minnesota Vikings draft bust  Laquon Treadwell, and Ridley possesses a few unique qualities that Treadwell doesn’t. Ridley not only has a knack for finding catching space ins zones, but he was also one of the better blocking receivers in the 2019 NFL draft.