10 most valuable returning Chicago Bears from 2021

3. Darnell Mooney

If Jaylon Johnson does not his ceiling, the team is at least prepared with Kyler Gordon in the mix. Johnson could easily fall back into being a second-best cornerback on the roster and it would not devastate the team.

If Darnell Mooney turns out to be the second-best wide receiver on the roster then the team is going to be a disaster. Byron Pringle could not consistently produce with Patrick Mahomes and was competing with Demarcus Robinson for snaps while Velus Jones is just a rookie.

Mooney is in year three, and his statistical production shows him to be the rare gem on day three of the NFL draft. Mooney is ascending in a big way, and the team is relying on him as much if not more than any other player to take a big step.

If Darnell Mooney can be the top wide out, the Bears have a gem to build on for years to come thanks to Ryan Pace. If Mooney cannot take that step, the receiving corps will struggle and they will need to invest heavily next offseason.