5 things to know about new Chicago Bears WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette

4. Special Teams Ability

The first thing that got Ihmir Smith-Marsette active on gameday was his return game ability. During his rookie season he spent the first three weeks as the Vikings kick off return man. Those ended up being the only special teams snaps that he logged, but it is worth noting.

He also returned 53 kicks in college, sending two back to the house for touchdowns. This is interesting to note because as a depth wide out the team is going to need him on special teams.

At the same time, while he has value that is only as a return man. When healthy, Velus Jones is expected to return punts and kicks. However, he is a rookie who has not been practicing since week two of the preseason.

Could Ihmir Smith-Marsette hold the seat for Jones? Beyond that, an interesting thought is how comparable Dante Pettis is to Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Both have slot versatility, both are deep threats, and both are vying to return kicks if Jones gets injured. Are the days of Pettis in Chicago numbered?