Bears Insider Sees a Threat to Anthony Miller at #2 WR Spot

Looking at the Chicago Bears offensive roster, the wide receiver position would appear to be set. At least at the top. Allen Robinson is the unquestioned #1 guy. His connection with Mitch Trubisky proved that last year. Most believe that Anthony Miller, going into his second season will take over as the #2 option with Taylor Gabriel being their #3 and vertical threat. After that it's a wash.

Nobody questions that Miller deserves to be that second option. Some would even argue he's good enough to be the top guy. He caught seven touchdowns as a rookie despite constantly battling a dislocated shoulder. There were frequent signs of how good he could be. The man himself has no doubt about his future. However, nothing is ever set in stone with the NFL.

Longtime insider Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly believes if Miller's body isn't ready to hold up to the rigors of the pro level, somebody will be ready to step up into that #2 slot. The thing is? In his mind, it's not Gabriel or free agent Cordarrelle Patterson or even fellow second-year Javon Wims.

It's a rookie.

Riley Ridley has already taken advantage of Anthony Miller absence

Arkush believes that people cannot overlook 4th round pick Riley Ridley in this situation. His skill set befits the duties of a player in that role and he's been showcasing his potential just a few practices into his pro career. If Miller leaves the door open, he appears ready to step through.

"The plan is for Anthony Miller to be the No. 2 wideout, and if he can stay healthy there’s every reason to believe he can be a good one.

Interestingly enough, if Miller can’t stay on the field there’s a real chance that next up for that spot could be Riley Ridley or the undrafted rookie free agent Emanuel Hall, who comes with his own injury history.

Taylor Gabriel can be an outstanding weapon, but as you saw last year when he was the No. 2, while he set a career-best with 67 receptions, almost twice his previous single-season best, his average per catch (10.3) was 3.4 yards per catch below his career average (13.7) entering last season.

If you make him a No. 2, you lose one of your more dangerous weapons.

When I look at Ridley, I see Randall Cobb, Golden Tate or Michael Crabtree — all great No. 2s."

He isn't wrong. The buzz in practices thus far have indicated Ridley is much more polished than a normal rookie receiver. His route running is crisp and he shows quality hands. Both considered key traits of an ideal #2 receiver. With Miller still recovering from his shoulder surgery this offseason, Ridley has taken advantage of the extra snaps sent his way. Coaches don't seem all that uncertain about the idea of him getting early playing time in 2019.