OTAs are a good chance for the team to get on the same page so that the first day of training camp is getting straight into competition for roster spots and depth chart positioning. The Chicago Bears will be re-joining in a few weeks for camp, but in the meantime have their depth chart set and ready to position.
What does the Chicago Bears depth chart look like at wide receiver?
1. Allen Robinson
This is pretty clear and we all know this group goes as far as Robinson takes them. It will be interesting to see how Robinson responds to playing on the tag, as a potential big payday looms.
2. Darnell Mooney
Mooney has the chance for a breakout season after establishing himself last season. There were plenty of game-changing moments that just missed his fingertips, and may not do that again. He is now locked into the Taylor Gabriel role as the field stretching number two
3. Anthony Miller
The slot job is totally up for grabs. Fans may not like it, but heading into camp Anthony Miller will be the top slot guy. Camp is certainly a spot where Miller could lose his job, but the 1-3 are the same as when the season ended for now.
4. Marquise Goodwin
Goodwin seems to have the best chance to make the roster from all of the outsiders brought in. He has displayed a veteran presence that some of the younger players such as Miller and Javon Wims need. Not to say that Allen Robinson does not bring that, but with his contract dispute, they knew that Goodwin was bought in.
5. Damiere Byrd
Byrd had a career year in 2020 with the Patriots. It was fewer than 700 yards and he is already 27 years old so we do not have a sleeper or next potential star here. However, he fills out the depth much stronger than the rest of the candidates on the roster.
6. Javon Wims
Wims still has a shot at the roster due to his blocking and special teams. However, the additions of Goodwin and Byrd are shown in the depth chart. They are moves that are made to light a fire under Miller and push guys like Wims down.
7. Dazz Newsome
Fans want Newsome to already be ahead of Wims, and that is fair. But after an injury ended his OTAs early, he now is a bit behind and will need a strong training camp, or else we could see him start 2021 on the practice squad.
8. Riley Ridley
In a season where Anthony Miller fell out of favor and Javon Wims was suspended Riley Ridley still was very quiet. He is a good player, but not quite the NFL caliber receiver.
9. Jester Weah
Weah has had a cup of coffee in the NFL and has the size that is intriguing.
10. Thomas Ives
Ives has hung around as a projectable upside athlete for a few years now with limited movement up the depth chart.
11. Rodney Adams
Adams was in the in 2017 and has bounced around to a few camps since then. He is a desperate call for return duties if needed.
12. Chris Lacy
Lacy spent some time on the Detroit Lions roster in 2018 and 2019 but did not stick around.
13. Khalil McClain
McClain is a UDFA from Troy with enough size to give some attention to.