Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Khalil Mack trade transforms franchise
By Ryan Heckman
ShiSmith. 5. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. South Carolina. player. 57
The Chicago Bears double-down at wide receiver in the fifth round
In the fifth round, the offensive overhaul doesn’t stop. With pick 148 overall, the Bears select wide receiver Shi Smith out of South Carolina.
The senior projects best as a slot receiver in the NFL and stands 5-foot-10, weighing around 185 pounds. Over his four years with the Gamecocks, Smith never really had stellar quarterback play. Funny enough, he comes to Chicago where the same can be said for Bears wideouts.
Chicago very well may move on from Anthony Miller, leaving a void in the slot, which Smith could eventually take over. Another candidate for that spot would be Riley Ridley, whom the Bears have hardly used in a couple of years.
Back to Smith, though. This past season he caught a career-high 57 passes, but his yards per reception dropped to a career-low 11.1. He’s never totaled more than four receiving touchdowns in a season, and much of that can be due to quarterback play. Still, not getting in the end zone on a regular basis is cause for concern.
Smith’s strength is in his release and getting open. He makes it easy on his quarterback to find him, as he’s quick off the line and working to make himself available. He’s also a tough kid, unafraid to use some physicality. In the fifth round, drafting a developmental slot guy like Smith is a solid pick.