Chicago Bears find new offensive talent in 2021 two-round mock draft
By Joseph Herff
Chicago Bears’ Round 1, Pick No. 17
"Even though a contract extension seems to be inevitable at this point for Allen Robinson, the Bears need at wide receiver is apparent. Anthony Miller has struggled to carve out a role as the second option—and the options have proven to be slim outside of him. Bateman is a smooth operator as a route-runner who has a knack for getting open. With reliable hands and the maturity of his route tree, he has the upside to become an immediate contributor. – Jordan Reid via 2021 NFL Mock Draft 2.0"
My initial reaction is that I’m not quite sure I agree with this pick. With Allen Robinson likely receiving a contract extension, Darnell Mooney exploding onto the NFL scene, and Anthony Miller proving to be a solid slot option, it seems that this could be irrelevant.
In Reid’s defense, Miller really hasn’t been that great. He has struggled with route running and drops pretty often. He has dropped touchdowns in back-to-back games and has constantly been called out by head coach Matt Nagy on the mistakes he makes.
Miller flashes as the potential to be a top slot in the NFL, but his inconsistencies make it hard to believe in him. Additionally, outside of those three wide receivers, the Bears don’t have a lot of depth outside of them. Javon Wims isn’t bad, but Riley Ridley hasn’t played much and Ted Ginn is already 35.
Rashod Bateman possesses slick route-running ability and a very strong knowledge of the route tree that could make him an instant contributor for this Bears’ wide receiver core. A core of Robinson, Bateman, and Mooney/Miller could contest for one of the best in the NFL.