Chicago Bears Draft: Small school wide receivers to target

Chicago Bears small school WR targets: Cade Johnson, South Dakota State

In the middle rounds, the Bears look to fill a role that appears to be vacated by Cordarrelle Patterson. Right now, the team is without a kick returner unless they opt to re-sign him at some point. But, with the pedigree Patterson owns, Chicago cannot wait too long.

If they opt to fill his shoes, Cade Johnson out of South Dakota State would be a solid pickup. Johnson is a shifty guy with the ball in his hands and he wins when given space, which is why he could be of assistance on special teams to begin with.

Standing just 5-foot-10, Johnson projects mostly as a slot receiver in the NFL and won’t win much on the outside. But, with the possibility of Anthony Miller leaving this offseason still, Johnson’s presence in the slot would be a welcomed addition. With that said, it’s not as though Johnson cannot ever win on the outside.

Because South Dakota State opted for spring football this past season, Johnson did not get a 2020 campaign. But, he did more than enough in 2018 and 2019 to hear his name drafted.

In 2019, Johnson caught 72 passes for 1,222 yards and eight touchdowns with the Jackrabbits. But, the year prior was truly incredible. In 2018, Johnson caught 67 balls for 1,332 yards and 17 scores. That 2018 season saw Johnson average a mind-blowing 24.0 yards per reception.

He may be coming from a small program, but Johnson knows how to make plays with the ball in his hands. Almost immediately after he catches a pass, Johnson is thinking end zone. Again, he’s fantastic in space and would be a strong addition in the middle rounds for the Bears.