Eric Peterman Trying to Catch On with Hometown Team

by Adam T on May 7, 2009 4:00 PM CDT

Eric Peterman, the 4th ranked receiver in Northwestern history, did get his name called during the 2009 NFL draft, just not in the manner he thought. His name wasn't one of the 256 players called by a guy in a suit at the podium in New York. Chicago called him prior to the draft being over to offer him a contract to come in. Philadelphia and Tennessee were also interested. For him it was a no-brainer.

"They [the Bears] put a big emphasis on special teams, and I feel like that’s a part of the game I can offer," Peterman said. "I plan on playing two, three, four different special teams, however many they’ll let me play."

That willingness to tackle, something not all receivers like to do, could make the difference when the final roster is decided. "I think it’s just up to them," Peterman said. "They can cut you whenever they want. But right now, I’m a Chicago Bear."

If a undrafted rookie free agent wanted a chance to make a team, this is the place. The other wide receivers on the Bears roster are:

Devin Aromashodu
John Broussard
Earl Bennett
Rashied Davis
Juaquin Iglesias
Derek Kinder
Johnny Knox
Brandon Rideau

and Devin Hester who curiously is still listed only as a PR/KR.

The article says Peterman is facing an uphill battle, but really it might only be an uphill tussle. Hester, Bennett and Iglesias are the only sure locks. They are desperate for Knox to step up and replace Davis, so that puts us at four.

I still think the Bears bring on board some veteran at some point. Rideau has been with us for awhile, but apparently has no special teams value othewise I think we would have made the roster by now. If Peterman proves to be an asset on special teams, there is a decent chance he can make the roster.

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I see him as a practice squad member

I agree in part with your assessment, but I think that Knox’s speed will be enough to keep him on the roster. I can’t see the Rashied Davis experiment continuing if the rookies are as promising as they looked in the weekend camp. His age, price tag, and lack of production will hopefully eliminate him.

by BearFan611 on May 7, 2009 4:08 PM CDT reply actions

Davis needs to go

I read a previous post on how the Bears should try having Knox and Hester on the field together, since both are speedsters and can cause some serious mismatches. Nonetheless, the Bears need to get rid of Davis. Unless he’s had a killer offseason and worked on his hands, he will not produce at all.

by chicagoan on May 7, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions

The only "work" on his hands that would matter would be a transplant!!!!

by BearFan611 on May 7, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Hey!

They just did a face transplant, so that idea is not so far-fetched…

by chicagoan on May 7, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I really don't think it would matter.

He would still manage a way to drop the ball. Probably even if we super glued the damn thing on.

by Bears fan 4-ever!!! on May 7, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

"Throw as many against the wall as we can..."

Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.

by Dane Noble on May 7, 2009 4:25 PM CDT reply actions