What the Bears need in a receiver
by Sam Householder on Feb 6, 2012 11:01 AM CST
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PrintI am sure that there is no doubt about the Bears biggest need on the offensive side of the ball is anymore. Sure we could use an offensive lineman or two but what we have is good enough, they are mostly young and mostly improving, but it is all too clear the Bears need an upgrade at receiver. I believe Halas Hall it self is finally coming around and admitting that a bit. The position was way too neglected under former general manager Jerry Angelo. Despite spending two picks on WR in '09, he never seemed comfortable drafting the position in the early rounds (read: first round) or very good at finding talent (David Terrell [actually a Jauron pick, according to sources], Mark Bradley, Juquain Igleasias). Anyway, now with a new man in charge as far as evaluating the college talent, it seems there is renewed hope that the Bears go out this offseason and either draft someone or sign one in free agency. Everyone agrees the Bears need a "true number one" target for Jay Cutler, but what exactly does that mean?
Now, I would say most scholars (a.k.a. Fans who think they know more than Mel Kiper and Mike Mayock combined) would say that a "number one" receiver should be 6'5" or taller, have the athletic ability of an acrobat and the speed of Usain Bolt.
But there is only one Calvin Johnson.
The rest of football people would probably agree that a number one receiver should have most of the following traits: 6'1" or taller, good leaping and reaching ability, the ability to run all the routes, preferably sub-4.5 40 speed, beat most all coverages and generally put fear into opposing defenders.
Now this second description actually doesn't seem all that different from the first and it also seems even more specific, but at least a human with three or so of those abilities is likely to come around more than once a lifetime.
To be even more vague, ideally the receiver should have the potential to break one or two big plays a game. For the purpose of quantifying this, I mean one or two plays of 25 yards or more per game.
So it might be that this is too tall an order for the Bears to draft or sign. It's difficult to evaluate receiver talent in draft, especially with the spread offense making gaudy receiving numbers the norm and even tougher to dissect.
While perusing the NFL's leading receiver stats earlier, I made a discovery among the stats break down of a reasonable measure for what makes a "legitimate" or "number one" receiver.
70 yards per game average.
Doesn't seem like much does it? 70 yards a game. That can't be too hard, here is the list of receiving yard leaders for 2011, listed according to yards per game average. Among the leaders are all the usual suspects; C. Johnson, Marques Colston, Brandon Marshall, Andre Johnson, Roddy White, Steve Smith and Larry Fitzgerald.
So the number one guys do it, the ones you know, but so did a few guys who had break out years, such as Jordy Nelson, Nate Washington and rookie sensations Julio Jones and A.J. Green.
It could stand to reason then that any good receiver with a good QB could average 70 yards a game and that is true. However, when looking at the career stat break down of the elite WRs, it is seen that these guys do it consistently.
Year in and year out these guys have the 70-yards-per-game average (or darn close to it) and if you look at guys like Larry Fitzgerald or Brandon Marshall who have played with some bad quarterbacks, they still manage to do it.
So maybe number one wide outs shouldn't be measured by height, speed or reception numbers alone. Guys who are smaller than 6'0" like Steve Smith and guys who aren't the fastest, like Fitzgerald, or don't catch 80+ balls a year, like Vincent Jackson, still average 70 yards a game.
If the Bears could find or sign a guy like that, it's what we need. Knox, for all he's good for and for his almost-1,000 yard year last season, he is too inconsistent. He disappears from too many games and even in 2010 when he had 970 yards he only averaged 60.0 yards per game.
70 yards a game should be the target of what a team wants to see from their number one guy, consistently, year in and year out. That's what the Bears need to find.
For what it's worth, here are how free agents-to-be stack up; Dwayne Bowe has averaged over 70 a game the last two years, after a rather slow start to his career, Mike Wallace has averaged 70 yards game in all but his rookie season, Vincent Jackson has only hit the 70-yard plane once in his career but came within .9 yard and 1.4 yards twice and Mario Manningham has never hit the mark, even last year when he caught 60 passes for 944 yards. Marques Colston has hit the mark three times and come within three yards in his other three seasons.
So then, is this a legitimate way to judge wide receivers? Should this be the way to judge whatever wide receiver the Bears bring in?
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Yup this is exactly correct
70 yards a game and touchdowns should be the measuring stick
"I'm too drunk to taste this chicken" - Colonel Sanders
It's all about THE []_[] baby!!!
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At least FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER before you judge me fool
This is exactly what the Bears need.
It doesn’t matter really if they’re a more possession guy, or a guy who can stretch the defense. They have to catch the ball, be effective and get separation. I’d take 85 without a TD (because, we actually have some pretty good weapons in the endzone… when we could get there).
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Feb 6, 2012 12:35 PM CST up reply actions
So you're saying...
the Bears need someone who will have a big season?
Ummm I'll take a guy who'll catch the ball on a regular basis .....
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Feb 6, 2012 11:47 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
The 70 yards a game kinda implies that they catch the ball regularly.
I’ll toss my vote again towards either Bowe or Colston.
Bowe seems to be able to grab balls that shouldn’t be able to be caught at all, which is why he has my preference.
Cacti are prickly.
by crackedcactus on Feb 6, 2012 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
Bowe seems too up and down to me, but tons of talent there.
I’d go for Mike Wallace, and would love a receiver to be drafted in the first or second round.
Wallace is an RFA so its doubtful we even look at him ....
" Everyone has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth. " ~
Mike Tyson
by MidWayMonster54 on Feb 6, 2012 12:11 PM CST up reply actions
For that matter I wish he had Jerry Rice from 1985....
mmmm……Incredible catching goodness…
Cacti are prickly.
by crackedcactus on Feb 6, 2012 3:49 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe
Im guessing ward is done. Cotchery probably costs too much to keep. That means we are left with Brown and Sanders. Now you take wallace out and who does Pit. have at receiver?? I highly doubt he goes anywhere.
BTSC
Over on BTSC we have been talking about trading Wallace…Bears name came up. We need a guard and want spot 19…..Lets wait and see!!
Call the Steelers front office
tell them they can have their pick of Roberto Garza, Lance Louis, Edwin Williams, Chris Spencer…whoever they pick comes with a free limited edition Frank Omiyale for Wallace
Everyone is happy :D
WCG's Resident Nickelback and Boy Band fan
Also rated Worst WCG Blogger by Dr. Steven Schweickert's extensive "Total BR" (Blogger Rating)
"Oh Dilfer, give me the strength...
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Steelers
25 Million over cap right now. Which is why I think Ward is done and Cotchery are done. Frees up money for Wallace.
He also has a bad tendency of dropping some that should be caught
by Joeb'n777 on Feb 6, 2012 12:26 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Which one?
Colston or Bowe?
Cacti are prickly.
by crackedcactus on Feb 6, 2012 3:49 PM CST up reply actions
I was hoping for something like
Malcolm Floyd in the draft and then Mario Manningham or Robert Meachem in free agency. Now I’m afraid after yesterday’s performance Manningham’s price is going to be way too high.
In short, in life, as in a foot-ball game, the principle to follow is: Hit the line hard; don't foul and don't shirk, but hit the line hard!" Theodore Roosevelt
But but but... 6'5"....4.40 40... 42" vertical
by Joeb'n777 on Feb 6, 2012 12:25 PM CST via mobile reply actions
There is 2!
Jeez. Y’know, Andre Johnson is 6’3, 220, physical, sub 4.4 speed.
MEGATRON ISN’T ALONE.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
While Andre Johnson is a great receiver and top 3 easily.
I think CJ is in a class alone. He’s definitely got better hands than any other receiver in the league, the only one who comes close in that dept. is Larry Fitzgerald
What's so funny 2011 Lions? Gordon Bombay doesn't think losing is funny.
Leshoure = 2012 Beastmode
Draft Konz!!
What Fitz does better than Megatron IMO is his uncanny ability to adjust to the ball in midair and make the grab.
Megatron uses his long arms to snatch the ball out of the air whereas Fitz twists his body in the opposite direction and one-hand snatches the ball out of the air. In the end I’d rather have Megatron because he’s faster but Fitz is like a human Stretch Armstrong.
by frenchbears113 on Feb 6, 2012 2:01 PM CST up reply actions
Andre Johnson has better hands. Who has more 100 catch seasons?
Megatron has the benefit of no running game and he has had only one 1,500 yard season and no 100 catch year.
Fitzgerald and Andre the Giant are better.
Andre, Fitz, and CJ are 1a, 1b, 1c
I’ll trust Andre to break the big play, CJ to get any jump ball, and Fitz to catch anything that’s remotely close to him.
They’re just different types of receivers, but all amazing.
Fine!
It’s obvious you all really want ME as the next #1 receiver for the Bears. I’ll quit my software development job (where all good wide receivers come from), and start getting ready for camp.
what's your vertical?
we need a go-up-and-get-it guy
by NorthSideBearsFan on Feb 6, 2012 12:39 PM CST up reply actions
he's 5' 9"
but he used to play DB, so he’s a sure fire starter at WR
WCG's Resident Nickelback and Boy Band fan
Also rated Worst WCG Blogger by Dr. Steven Schweickert's extensive "Total BR" (Blogger Rating)
"Oh Dilfer, give me the strength...
to be as bad a WCG Contributor as you are an announcer/authority on anything. Peace be with you. " (JoetheBoss)
I agree with this
And if this is the case then, as I have stated before, labeling a WR prospect as a #1, 2 or 3 receiver before he ever steps foot on an NFL field is dumb to do (not that it wasn’t before this)
by Joeb'n777 on Feb 6, 2012 12:35 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Dwayne Bowe please
Love Colston but a bit injury prone, VJax a little on the inconsistent side for the money we are going to pay.
Hoping that Peppers does the belt dance over Rodgers crumpled on the turf
Bowe disappears for games.
Injury, Disappearing. Same deal? Right?
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Feb 6, 2012 12:56 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not sure where you're getting the "disappears for games" for Bowe...
He didn’t really disappear in any games this season (only 2 games under 4 receptions and they were 8 games apart). QBs couldn’t get it to him in the red zone (Pafko started 4 games this year… enough said), and the Chiefs had a TON of injuries so a lot of the attention went to Bowe this season as he was the only playmaker left on offense. His team was REALLY bad… Bowe had 5 TDs and that led the team (also equals the rushing TDs COMBINED) Had Charles/Cassel/Baldwin/Moeaki had been somewhat healthy this year overall instead of like 20 games total between those 4, Bowe would’ve put up a tad better #s and most likely more TDs.
Even with a bad team, Bowe still had 81 rec/1159 yds/5 TDs… That would’ve smoked everyone on the Bears.
It's a pattern over the past 4 years.
Against higher quality talent and defenses it’s either him, or Cassel (or Croyle, or Huard or whoever), disappears.
In my humble opinion, it’s a combination of both that tend to scale back against better talent. And that alone is the reason why I express hesitance with going full force on Bowe. Too much uncertainty.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
I'd disapear too
if Croyle, Plako and Huard were throwing to me too
WCG's Resident Nickelback and Boy Band fan
Also rated Worst WCG Blogger by Dr. Steven Schweickert's extensive "Total BR" (Blogger Rating)
"Oh Dilfer, give me the strength...
to be as bad a WCG Contributor as you are an announcer/authority on anything. Peace be with you. " (JoetheBoss)
Been a frequent reader on here and this is my first comment on the site
Wanted to know who other people preferred between Alshon Jeffrey and Michael Floyd? I go back and forth and if they are both there at 19 and we go WR, who do you guys wanna see the bears grab?
Most guys have been saying Floyd. I initially was on the Jeffrey bandwagon but I'm warming up to Floyd so I think Floyd would be the better option depending on what happens at the Combine.
Jeffrey has some work-ethic questions and I think Floyd has answered his off-field issues by staying out of trouble this past year.
by frenchbears113 on Feb 6, 2012 2:02 PM CST up reply actions
ppl are hesistant for Jeffrey
Because of his weight problem. I would prefer floyd because despite some of his off field troubles that really aren’t anything major he is that big target typical high round receiver bears really need. Think he is also taller than alshon if I’m not mistaken
by beartopia on Feb 6, 2012 2:04 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Floyd
When Mike Ditka calculates pi it's decimal representation ends.
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Feb 6, 2012 2:17 PM CST up reply actions
Welcome.
I was like you, a frequent reader who first commented a couple of days ago. I tend to agree with frenchbears. A WR coming in overweight makes me concerned about off season conditioning, but he usually works it off. A guy who has hit my radar is Jeff Fuller from Texas A&M. Good size and the last 2 seasons had 70 receptions. I don’t know his splits but in their bowl game he had 7 receptions for a 119 yards. It looked like he had game speed. I’ll take game speed over combine number any day.
by jetcitybearfan on Feb 6, 2012 2:28 PM CST up reply actions
I think I'd rather have Floyd
He seemed to mature after his second off-field incident and Jeffery has weight issues and really only had one good, solid year.
...because Cutty does it.
by Sam Householder on Feb 6, 2012 2:56 PM CST up reply actions
Stevie Johnson
6’2
76 rec.
1004 yds.
7 tds.
With Cutty this guy could ball.
by chicagocity on Feb 6, 2012 1:37 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Gonna need to cut out the celebration penalties.
If he does I’d definitely want him here.
"You have a young group and if they start feeling too good about themselves, that’s not a good thing. So it’s my job not to let them. So probably they will hate me. But that’s OK too. My wife hates me and she’s still married to me." - Mike Tice
Too immature at this stage.
I want Fitzgerald’s attitude vs a T.O. or Chad Johnson.
Cacti are prickly.
by crackedcactus on Feb 6, 2012 3:53 PM CST up reply actions
I'd want him here...
Because of the celebration penalties.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
I love the Plaxico celebration.
Stevie Johnson would be fun. I like him a lot.
by Ryan21 on Feb 6, 2012 5:38 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
almost rec'd
Just can’t approve of stupid penalties. BUT, if that’s the only negative, I’ll take him. He is a game-changing play maker who’d be a perfect compliment to Cutler and his arm strength. I can learn to handle a couple excessive celebration penalties for the good of the team.
Bearsh!tt!n It ain't obscene- I'm a Bears fan that likes hittin and exclamation points.
He has an issues with the dropsies...
But he’s got a high ceiling with a lot of potential.
Five foot three seems to thrive on his misery...
by awfullyquiet on Feb 7, 2012 10:47 AM CST up reply actions
I am not sold on him
He hasn’t reached the 70-yard-a-game mark and the closest he’s gotten was 67.1. Drops are hard to measure, one source might say four, another more, but he has dropped some balls in very clutch situations. That makes me weary. I think he’ll want more money than he’s worth.
...because Cutty does it.
by Sam Householder on Feb 6, 2012 3:00 PM CST up reply actions
That too
Fitzpatrick isn’t no Cutler. Basically though Stevie Johnson isn’t my first or even 2nd choice but he’s top five no doubt and should be considered nonetheless.
I don't see many negatives with him
People point to his drop against the Steelers, okay. He was 24, and that was his first year as a starter. Roddy White and Brandon Marshall led the league in drops this year. WCG golden boy Dwayne Bowe was 1 drop away from leading the league in both 2008 and 2009. This year, Stevie was targeted 132 times this year and had just 5 drops. That’s good.
He’s got size, he’s a legit threat near the end zone, he should have 6-7 more years of his prime left, and I haven’t found any injury red flags. And for those questioning his maturity… the guy was a 7th round pick who barely got on the field as a rookie, and three years later he’s one of the better WRs in the NFL.
by YaoPau on Feb 6, 2012 5:37 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Oh yeah forgot about that
He would have to clean that up a bit, but it’s not overly concerning, slightly, but not enough to not want him on the Bears.
She'd get ripped to shreds probably
But not Mrs. Brady (yet) for some reason. Probably just because Mr. Brady is a media darling.
as is Gisele.
but i’m sure Tom has already told her STFU.
by ChicagoBearOfAnaheim on Feb 6, 2012 3:58 PM CST up reply actions
You know, I could actually see Kristin turning into a media darling, too
Or she’ll get ripped to shreds by the media the first time she looks away from the field at a game. Probably both.
Is it possible Stevie Johnson is the #1 WR out there?
He’s kind of a second-rate name around here, but the more I look at him, he higher I put him on my list.
- Wayne/Lloyd/VJack would be fine for two years, but I’d like the Bears to get a longterm piece if possible.
- Colston has had so many injuries and wasn’t that fast to begin with… he’ll be 29 next year, and if he loses anything I worry about him, especially in a less explosive offense, on Soldier Field instead of dome turf, and on a team where he’ll have to be the clear cut #1 instead of one of many good weapons.
- Bowe had the same drop issues in 2010 as Stevie did (he dropped the TD vs the Colts that cost his team a win too), and Bowe had 10 drops this year compared to 5 for Stevie. Bowe was also in Haley’s doghouse at the beginning of 2010, and Haley dropped him from the 1st team in practice for a couple weeks because of his lack of conditioning. In 2009, Bowe was suspended for taking a banned substance in a weight loss pill because of more conditioning issues. I think that has to at least be factored in if you want to give this guy a longterm fat contract.
- Stevie Johnson is still just 25… the same age as Kahlil Bell, Edwin Williams, Henry Melton. At age 25, Roddy White was a backup, Reggie Wayne was an afterthought, Jordy Nelson was a #3 WR, VJack had just had his first 1000 yard season and was still relatively unknown. All Stevie’s done in the past two years is put up 2100 yards receiving and 17 TDs, as the bonafide #1 with a rotating case of nobodies around him.
To me, it’s between Bowe and Stevie for the top free agent WR. Maybe Stevie is a little riskier with immediate contribution compared to a Colston/Wayne, but he’s capable of being a 1000 yard guy immediately, and the upside here is massive. If he pans out, he could be the Bears’ #1 target for the rest of Cutler’s prime.
I'd agree with most of that.
Bowe or Johnson. Or both and spend the first two picks on a DE and a CB (in either order) then try to draft a swing tackle and a backup QB in the third and fourth rounds.
I’d be happy if the Bears signed Johnson, but IMO they’d still need to pick a WR in the first or second round, I’d love to see Johnson/Floyd on the outside and Bennett in the slot
Fix the Offensive Line
by touchdown bears on Feb 7, 2012 1:04 AM CST up reply actions
That or a tight end
I’d really like to see Knox next to a legit #1, but if Knox is starting they gotta upgrade Kellen.
I agree on Knox
I don’t think he’s played at a starter level yet… too many holes in his game. But he was really effective downfield this year (48 targets, 30 rec, 663 yards… almost 14 yards per target) and he obviously has elite speed. If the Bears bring in weapons at WR1 and TE (I say keep Bennett in the slot), I could see him being a nice deep threat, and command some occasional double coverage to free up the others. Keep things simple for him.
Reggie Wayne was an afterthought? LOL
Lee Evans and TO helped Stevie in the beginning, no doubt. Whole bunch of nobodies my hide.
I can't tell if you're trolling
You just listed about 20 opinions as fact in succession. Wayne had 838 yards as a 25 year old. And TO wasn’t there when Stevie was a starter.
And had 7 touchdowns as the #2 receiver. He was not even close to an afterthought when most #1 receivers barely get that much.
Stevie had TO and Lee Evans with him when he joined the Bills, no? Voids your comments about having no one.
Lee Evans is overrated
and TO at Buffalo was sad, because that wasn’t TO anymore…
thats like saying Chris Williams played with Orlando Pace in his one year here and it helped him
WCG's Resident Nickelback and Boy Band fan
Also rated Worst WCG Blogger by Dr. Steven Schweickert's extensive "Total BR" (Blogger Rating)
"Oh Dilfer, give me the strength...
to be as bad a WCG Contributor as you are an announcer/authority on anything. Peace be with you. " (JoetheBoss)
Top WR’s in NFL Free Agency —
Mike Wallace
Dwayne Bowe
Marques Colston
Vincent Jackson
Wes Welker
Stevie Johnson
Reggie Wayne
Brandon Lloyd
Laurent Robinson
My Analysis:
Plan A – Wes Welker (He’s Staying), Mike Wallace (Restricted FA) & Dwayne Bowe (Only realistic top WR that can be had) – All worth huge contracts.
Plan B – Stevie Johnson & Reggie Wayne – Both worth middlle of the FA road contracts.
Buyer Beware – Marques Colston (Injury History), Vincent Jackson (Slow, Off The Field Issues), Brandon Lloyd (Been there done that), Laurent Robinson (One Hit Wonder)
Other intriguing options – DeSean Jackson (Does he stay or go?), Robert Meachem (Could shine in starring role)
Top College WR’s in NFL Draft
Upper Tier First Rounders We’d need to move up to take
Justin Blackmon
Kendall Wright
-———————-
Guys that could be available in our current spot
Michael Floyd
Alshon Jeffery
-———————-
End of the First / Star of the Second Round
Juron Criner
Muhamed Sanu
Ruben Randle
Short of trading up for Justin Blackmon in a move similar to the Falcons last year I don’t think we are going to get a guy that can put up numbers similar to what the upper tier FA’s will provide. Kendall Wright is more like Randall Cobb where he is multi faceted opposed to a true #1 WR.
Floyd & Jeffery both have the physical stature & measurables of a true #1 WR but also have their own issues which is why they will be drafted towards the middle of the first round instead of in the top 10. Similarly to played of the past like Percy Harvin, Dez Bryant & Randy Moss. You get these guys right mentally and physically and you could very well have someone who produces in the same way that AJ Green & Julio Jones did in their rookie seasons.
As far as the last three guys … The only one I saw play was Criner and he looked really awesome in college. He has the potential to be a #1 WR with his frame but he needs to keep the weight down. I wouldn’t be opposed to trading up in the second round to get him if we take an Offensive Lineman in round 1.
brandon marshall
still a got change if he dolphins release him he jay cutler original go to guy when he with denver
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