WR Alshon Jeffery – 6’3”, 216 lbs (South Carolina)
The Bears traded their 2nd and 5th round picks, moved up 5 spots in the 2nd round, and got Cutler another target. Jeffery was at the top of everyone’s draft boards before the Combine, but the rumors of weight issues and potential bust status dropped him into the 2nd round. His senior year he played at 233 lbs, and while averaging over a TD a game, looked slow on tape. Jeffery shed the extra weight and came to the Combine at 216 lbs, resulting in a 4.48 40-time. If the Bears can keep him away from the chicken wings, and his weight around 215, they might have struck gold. He possesses a 36-1/2” vertical jump, and 10-1/4” hands. I’m sure the Bears will pencil him in at the Z-wr, across from Brandon Marshall, moving Hester and Bennett to the slot. This pick now gives Cutler 3 WRs, yes 3, that are 6’2” or taller.
Bears will most likely keep 6 WRs this year: Marshall, Jeffery, Bennett, Hester, Thomas, and Weems. Sanzenbacher will most likely be cut after camp, and it looks like Knox will start the season on the PUP list. Not sure if Jeffery will start immediately, but will certainly use his size and vertical to contribute in the red zone right away.
The Bears needed to address the WR position in the first 3 rounds. Emery has now done that. Now let’s just hope his player evaluation is as good as advertised.