Six Pass Catchers who could join the Chicago Bears in 2023
By Peter Jurich
Three receivers the Bears could draft in the first two rounds
Jordan Addison, WR University of Southern California
Jordan Addison very well might be the number one receiver taken in the 2023 NFL Draft, especially when considering his college resume. At the University of Pittsburgh, Addison accumulated 100 receptions for nearly 1,600 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2021 with current Steeler Kenny Pickett at quarterback. After transferring to USC before 2022, Addison is not only leading the Trojans to a potential College Football Playoff appearance but is also averaging 106 receiving yards per game against top 25 opponents.
At 6’0″ and 175 lbs, Addison is a big, but not built, slot receiver who can burn a defense with his 4.39 speed. Addison would likely demand the Bears’ first overall selection, and with a number of incredible defensive prospects in this draft, Addison could still end up being the best playmaker from his draft class.
Quentin Johnson, WR Texas Christian University
Quentin Johnson was a little more under the radar heading into the 2022 college football season than Jordan Addison, but the two wide receivers may end up being the first two taken in this draft. Johnson, who is 6’4″ and a little over 210 lbs, runs a 4.40 and is a legitimate deep threat who can create separation from speed and stature. With over 700 yards and five touchdowns through this point in the season, Johnson isn’t leading the nation in any stat or that close to it, but he has the intangibles in his frame and athleticism to demand likely a first-round selection.
If Addison is already off the board by the Bears’ selection in the draft, Johnson would be an interesting option to have out wide opposite of Chase Claypool and would give Justin Fields another option to burn a defense deep while they are potentially playing in the box to stop Fields and the Chicago run game.
Jermaine Burton, WR University of Alabama
Jermaine Burton, unlike Johnson and Addison, will likely not be a first-round pick, but rather someone the Chicago Bears could select in the second or maybe the third round given the fact that Chicago picks a non-receiver in the first round. Currently, at Alabama, Burton transferred from the University of Georgia to join an SEC rival.
At 6’0″ Burton is a slot receiver who possesses legitimate 4.31 speed and can be a deep threat for Justin Fields in the Bears’ offense. Burton still has much to work on as a receiver, mainly in using his hands more as a receiver and running a wider variety of routes, but his potential is undeniable and off the charts.
For a school that recently produced receivers such as Jerry Jeudy, Jaylen Waddle, Jameson Williams, and Devonta Smith, Burton is the latest Alabama receiver who will likely get drafted and has the opportunity to be as explosive as any of those players. Burton would be an excellent draft selection after the first round, especially if the Bears’ were able to select the Alabama receiver after taking Will Anderson or Jalen Carter with their first selection.