The Chicago Bears signed UDFA Savon Scarver to the roster after the 2022 NFL draft. Scarver was a wide receiver at Utah State. However, while he played wide receiver, he was really a return specialist.
Who is Savon Scarver?
A track athlete in High School, Scarver become the return man as a freshman for Utah State in 2017. He immediately had an impact with 26 returns for 625 yards and a touchdown.
Scarver finished his collegiate career with seven kick returns for a touchdown. Scarver did not return punts. He finished his college career with just five rushing touchdowns, two less than a return game. This shows you what he is.
For his career, he finished with 55 catches for 757 yards, with 10 rushes for 39 yards. He had 107 kick returns, more than his catches and carries combined.
What role will Savon Scarver have on Chicago Bears?
This one is pretty obvious. He will be a return game specialist. Considering he was not a top wideout for Utah State, the team is not looking at him to play wideout. If he makes the Chicago Bears roster he is going to be returning kicks.
Chances Savon Scarver makes the Chicago Bears roster
Like any UDFA they are not high, but at least Scarver has a direct path. Unlike your typical wide receiver, he would make the roster as a return man. That means that he does not have to navigate the crowded wide receiver, but rather beat out a couple of return options.
Still, the Chicago Bears may have the deck stacked up against him. They claimed Darrynton Evans off of waivers and he brings return game value. Velus Jones was drafted high after being praised for his return game upside, and Trestan Ebner also was better as a return man than running back in college.
While the return man is not the most vaunted area of the depth chart this year it is deeper than normal, and it will make it an uphill climb for Savon Scarver to stand out. It is interesting to note that even after multiple return game options emerged that Scarver still was signed, though.