Chicago Bears: 2021 NFL Draft prospects nobody’s talking about (part 2)

Chicago Bears slot prospect

The Chicago Bears have not been following my method of drafting players of late. Jacob Harris fits the Cameron Henderson mold when it comes to large slot receivers. The Chicago Bears did attend the UCF pro-day, so I am sure they know who Jacob Harris is now.

Now it is your turn. The two knocks on Harris are that he does not have much experience outside of the slot, and he is yet again another receiver with lower production. Harris does not have the excuse of having poor quarterback play. Over the last two seasons, Harris has had Dillion Gabriel, who is likely a top quarterback prospect if he decided to attend the draft in 2022.

However, Malon Williams and Jaylon Robinson, two other talented prospects, got to shine bright over Harris at UCF. That passing attack was lethal. If you listen to some interviews on those two players, they will bring up how all three worked together to create passing lanes.

Being a team player is something Anthony Miller has failed to do. The Chicago Bears tried for a top-notch slot receiver, and they have not succeeded. Maybe it is time they try something different.

While Harris has played primarily in the slot, he brings size to that position. Harris is 6’5″ and 211 pounds and uses every inch of his size to his advantage. While others see his slot only as a negative, I see it as a positive. Larry Fitzgerald (granted it’s Larry Fitz) extended his career when he moved to the slot position.

I cannot compare the great Larry Fitzgerald to Harris but just imagine his last three seasons of Fitzgerald’s production. 409, 804, and 734 yards while primarily playing in the slot. The slot receiver position is heavily underrated in the NFL. I know you are judging my credibility because I mentioned a draft prospect and a future hall of fame player in the same context.

Try not to get too wrapped up in that. It’s the position and the size I want you to focus on and not the player directly. Imagine a 6’5″ fast (4.39 fastest 40), and agile (6.61 three-cone) slot receiver going up against a 5’9″ or 5’10” slot corner.

The NFL will need to adjust again. Harris used to be a soccer player, so changing direction comes naturally to him. Whether he plays receiver or tight end (as some project), he should be in the slot at all times and take advantage of that situation until he cannot.