The Chicago Bears fanbase was starting to get nervous. When was the team going to try solving their need for more speed at wide receiver? Something they lost a huge chunk of when they released Taylor Gabriel last month. It took a bit longer than expected, but after a trade up for the second time in the NFL draft, GM Ryan Pace got the guy he wanted in Darnell Mooney.
Hailing from Matt Forte's stomping ground at Tulane, the receiver was a constant big play threat, posting multiple touchdowns over 50 yards. He showed at the combine that his speed was legitimate, blazing a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. Some teams are concerned about his slender frame but he's a tough kid. If he learns to run with more controlled routes, he can be lethal.
"Limber and explosive, he has the makings of a mismatch slot with the ability to stretch and attack speed-deficient coverages. It's easy to criticize Mooney for frequency of drops during his time at Tulane, but he took short throws and turned them into touchdowns of 86, 79 and 55 yards in 2018. He's sudden underneath and should fit right in as a slot, but he won't be able to outrun NFL coverage and needs to tighten up the routes."
Chicago Bears depth is coming along nicely
Truth be told, the Bears receiver position wasn't in terrible shape. Allen Robinson is a stud. Anthony Miller was emerging as a true #2 target to end the year. Cordarrelle Patterson is a nice gadget option. Javon Wims and Riley Ridley have upside. Moony brings something different to the table. He'll be able to stress defenses down the field, opening up the underneath areas where their new tight ends and Tarik Cohen can wreak havoc.
Nobody is saying the offense is a lot better this season yet. However, it certainly does look deeper and that's a step in the right direction.
Comments
Join the discussion below. Keep it civil and focused on the content.
Loading comments...