Chicago Bears draft targets: Nelson Agholor, WR

Throughout the draft exploring process I've tried to look at some prospects who haven't been mocked to the Bears constantly.

I did change that up on Friday when I took a look at early draft process favorite Danny Shelton, but overall I've tried to spotlight some prospects that not all fans are greatly familiar with, as well as throw out some scenarios and what-ifs that would cause the Bears to look at certain players.

With Shelton, I mentioned how early in the draft process the Shelton-mocked-to-Chicago was a hot storyline for the first several mocks until that talk cooled. There are several reasons for that, among them that new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio doesn't have a history of using a nose tackle of Shelton's size.

Since the Shelton draft buzz has simmered, the one position that seems to have been linked to the Bears more than most is wide receiver. Pretty much, if the Bears aren't mocked to pick a pass-rusher, it's either West Virginia's Kevin White or Alabama's Amari Cooper.

However, in the last week or so I've seen a few mock drafts that are unsure either WR will be available when the Bears get on the clock. Teams in front of the Bears, such as the Raiders, Washington, and Jets, could all take one of the two receivers.

It's no secret that the Bears have been meeting with wide receivers and edge rushers, leaving little question as to the direction they're leaning with the No. 7 pick.

If the Bears decide to go with a defensive player or, more specifically, an edge rusher in the first round, they might come back in round two and target a receiver.

Enter Nelson Agholor of USC.

From CBSSports.com:

STRENGTHS: Like former teammates Marqise Lee and Robert Woods, Agholor sports a lean, athletic frame, good lateral agility to elude and sudden acceleration. Shows good quickness and balance as a route-runner and is asked to run a variety of routes in USC's pro-style scheme.

Athletic pass catcher with sharp cuts, before and after the catch, and the body control to make fluid adjustments on the ball. Generally catches the ball cleanly with his hands and secures it quickly.

Runs hard and picks up speed as he goes, showing surprising toughness as a finisher to get every yard he can. Possesses very good vision to set up blocks, as well as the courage and quickness to cut-back against the grain to take advantage of over-pursuing defenders.

WEAKNESSES: Lean framed and thin-muscled, might never be able to comfortably carry 200-pounds. Questionable finishing toughness and looks to avoid contact. Wild routes and needs to stay under control in his movements. Not overly shifty to get himself out of trouble in tight spaces often running into his own blockers. Needs to show better spatial awareness along the sidelines. Questionable ballskills with too many double-catches and focus drops. Tends to misjudge deep balls with waning concentration vertically, also a few botched punt returns on his resume. Not a physical ballcarrier and won't do much after initial contact.

Some outlets I've come across, from early in the draft process, question his ability to be a No. 1 or No. 2 receiver and claim he might never be more than a slot WR. That was before he ran a 4.42 40-yard dash.

His stock has been on the rise and while at one point it appeared he would be available for the Bears in round two, he's been visiting with teams like the Panthers (No. 25) and Patriots (No. 32), suggesting he could be gone by the time the Bears pick.

Agholor adds value as a punt returner and could develop into a solid outside receiving threat. However, his build suggests that he wouldn't be an entirely different player than Eddie Royal as a slot player.

Would Agholor be a bona fide playmaker in round two?