The Chicago Bears have two wide receivers locked into the roster in Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney. You can argue about the order, and even roster status of the rest, and there is a long list of names. The depth chart could break a lot of ways depending on the roles and types of players that they need to fill the room. However, someone flying under the radar is Marquise Goodwin.
Goodwin opted out last season, so he was not heard from, but that could be good for the 30 year old speedster. By most accounts, Goodwin could be looked at as insurance for Mooney, and he does not have much slot experience. However, he is making the best of his chance and impressing coaches so far.
Bears WR coach Mike Furrey says Marquise Goodwin has emerged as a vocal leader in the wide receiver room. Talked up his mix of raw speed and patient route running.
— Alex Shapiro (@AlexShapiroNBCS) May 12, 2021
For a group without many veterans beyond Robinson it is needed to have that vocal leader as a presence in the locker room. That cannot be the only role he serves, but combining that with his hard work ethic and you could see Goodwin making the roster.
Beyond that, Goodwin has been one of the first players seen publicly working out with Justin Fields. The duo are rocking Bears gear and training for the season.
There’s been too much talking lately. I’m just ready to work. That’s it. @justnfields @marquisegoodwin @ChicagoBears https://t.co/lXk9N2T1R7 pic.twitter.com/qYomJgFCD3
— Luke Crabtree (@lukeccrabtree) May 8, 2021
Fields will be getting number two reps early in camp, and may be coming with a chemistry with Goodwin, who may get number two reps as well. Still, this will not only help Fields look comfortable throwing to someone he knows, it also gives Goodwin a leg up.
The veteran knows how to make the roster. When it comes to Javon Wims, Riley Ridley and Anthony Miller, they have typically been drafted into jobs. All three should be put on notice, not only by the words of the coaches, but by his actions this offseason. He is working to get ahead, and hopefully we will see Wims working with Fields at some point too.