We need to be careful with what information we trust at this point in the NFL offseason. Coach speak is usually coming out of everyone's mouths -- even the players'. However, when negative comments come up, it seems that they are more accurate. That seems to be the case right now with the Chicago Bears and wide receiver Chase Claypool.
Will Chase Claypool struggle again for the Chicago Bears?
Chase Claypool is not participating in mandatory minicamp due to a few injuries. As of now, both he and Darnell Mooney are observing practice from the sideline. The Chicago Bears need Claypool and Mooney to separate themselves this season, if not, one or both will not be back in a Bears uniform come 2024. Justin Fields has been dominant when throwing the ball to D.J. Moore but has struggled at times when throwing to any of the other receivers. A few deep balls to Dante Pettis have hit and a few nice passes to Cole Kmet and Robert Tonyan have hit, but he's also been off target too often.
When it comes to ability and size, Chase Claypool has Darnell Mooney beat. The problem is, Mooney is lightyears ahead of Claypool when it comes to his work ethic. You can tell that Mooney continues to practice and work at his craft. He is doing everything he can to improve and help this team win. You would have hoped having Claypool around guys like Mooney, D.J. Moore and Justin Fields would help inspire him to push himself more and focus more on the off-the-field training he desperately needs. That does not seem to be the case.