Chicago Bears Had "Numerous" Calls With NFL Draft Spark Plug

The Chicago Bears could be active at the wide receiver position in the upcoming NFL draft. This shouldn't be a huge surprise to anybody if they've followed the flow of events. Allen Robinson is back but only on the franchise tag. His future with the team appears uncertain beyond 2021. Anthony Miller is on the trade block and could be dealt shortly. Javon Wims will be a free agent next year if he isn't cut this offseason. There is a strong possibility that Darnell Mooney will be the only Bears receiver of any consequence next year. That is why fans should expect the team to add some help in the draft. Maybe even more than one. It comes down to who they might have their eyes on. Based on a recent report by Adam Hoge of NBC Sports Chicago, there is at least one that seems to excite them.

Purdue standout Rondale Moore.

Easily one of the most exciting players at his position in this class. Moore is the personification of big-play potential. He is fast. Really fast. Every time he touches the ball, he's a threat to score. Not only that, he's also quick and stronger than he looks. Lance Zielein of NFL.com compared him to Seattle Seahawks star Tyler Lockett. It appears the Bears have taken notice. Particularly receiver coach Mike Furrey.

One of those teams is the Chicago Bears. Moore has had “numerous Zoom calls with the whole staff” and he worked closely with Bears wide receivers coach Mike Furrey at Purdue’s pro day... ...Moore isn’t the first draft prospect to catch on with Furrey, who has developed a reputation for connecting with young players. “He's really into it. I think his personality is really cool. Why? Because he wants to help and I think you get that feeling from him right away,” Moore said.

Remember that Furrey was the one who pounded the table for Mooney last year. That pick seemed to turn out pretty well. It could be more is his latest crush. The idea of those two speed freaks on the field at the same time is certainly exciting. However, Moore comes with some concerns. He's only 5'7, which is really short for a wide receiver. On top of that, he was hounded by hamstring problems the final two years of college. So he's a bit of a health hazard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSw9ZllxvP0&ab_channel=BigTenNetwork

Chicago Bears must weigh Moore's ceiling carefully

Given his size, it's likely he won't find a life beyond the slot. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Just something to factor in. His speed and athleticism are obvious selling points. Not to mention his versatility and added prowess as a return man. The issue is can his body survive the rigors of a 17-game schedule? Hamstring injuries can be a chronic problem for some players. It comes down to risk vs. reward. Moore seems like the type of receiver who will go on Day 2 of the draft. Remember Lockett was a 3rd round pick back in 2015. Given the depth of this class and the health concerns, it's possible Moore goes in that same range. The problem is the Chicago Bears don't pick until the 83rd spot that round. It's fair to think somebody with his speed will be gone by then. So if they truly want him, they may have to grab him in the 2nd round.

Given this team's track record with 2nd round receivers? That is not encouraging.

Moore is definitely somebody who can give the Bears something they need. Explosive plays. He and Mooney together would stress defenses to the limit. It comes down to whether he can stay on the field consistently enough to matter. Ryan Pace said it himself. The best ability in the NFL is availability. He seems confident the issues won't follow him to the pros. Chicago will have to make a tough decision if he's on the board when they're up in the 2nd.