The Bears added a dynamic wide receiver to their offense in the form of North Carolina’s Dazz Newsome with the No. 221 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Newsome was productive at the collegiate level, catching 188 passes for 2,435 yards and 18 touchdowns in his four seasons for the Tar Heels. He also was a productive punt returner, tallying a touchdown in 2018 and averaging 11.1 yards per return.
His Pro Day testing wasn’t necessarily ideal, but don’t get it twisted: Newsome looks really explosive on tape. He changes direction incredibly well after the catch and accelerates very well in his first step after making grabs out of the slot. He has solid deep speed and very good ball skills and body control, which helps him stay in bounds along the sidelines and making toe-drag grabs. For a smaller receiver, he has strong hands and can make impressive grabs in tight coverage.
I took to the tape to break down what Newsome brings to Chicago.
THREAD: North Carolina WR Dazz Newsome is a steal for the #Bears late in Round 6.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
The biggest positive in Newsome’s game is his athleticism in space.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
He has tremendous lateral quickness after the catch, and he has the speed and vision to exploit holes in the open field. #Bears pic.twitter.com/PS6z6lAK4Y
Newsome is a blazing athlete whose speed makes him a difficult receiver to both guard vertically and catch up to in space.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
His playing speed is much better than how he tested at his Pro Day. #Bears pic.twitter.com/A7PznUFpdq
Newsome has the ability to stop on a dime and accelerate quickly after the catch. That athletic ability gives him value in designed YAC situations and potential as a route runner. #Bears pic.twitter.com/MIX1zYHCzC
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
Newsome is also very good at tracking the ball in the air and making the necessary adjustments to the ball. Despite being smaller, he plays physical and squares up to the ball well in tight windows. #Bears pic.twitter.com/oh2a55Ds2a
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
Dazz Newsome is an explosive and productive weapon with 2,435 career receiving yards who also has value as a punt returner.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 1, 2021
I had an early fifth-round grade on him. That’s great value for the #Bears this late.
For more info on the Bears pick of Dazz Newsome, be sure to give Robert Schmitz and Jacob Infante a listen on Robert’s Bears With Me podcast. They’ve been breaking down each pick on a show by show basis, so subscribe to us at the WCG Podcast Channel to guarantee you never miss a thing.