There is always a silver lining when multiple players are injured at a specific position. It gives others an opportunity to step up. The Chicago Bears preferred having Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney healthy during OTAs and veteran minicamps. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Mooney isn't fully recovered from his ankle injury last season and Claypool is dealing with nagging soft tissue ailments. Tough for them, but a big window for somebody else to make an impression.
The Bears have no shortage of guys hoping to do exactly that. Former 3rd round pick Velus Jones wants to prove he is more than just a kick return specialist. Dante Pettis still has a solid connection with Justin Fields and wants to build on his decent showing last year. However, the name that seemed to gain the most traction over the past month, according to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago, was rookie 4th round pick Tyler Scott. It didn't take him long to get the attention of coaches.
"The second standout was rookie wide receiver Tyler Scott. The former Junior Olympian started OTAs with the second team but quickly earned reps with Fields and the first-team offense. Sometimes track speed doesn’t translate to the football field as you’d expect, but Scott’s speed jumps out immediately.
The rookie got open on go routes a number of times, beating fellow rookie Tyrique Stevenson and second-year corner Kyler Gordon. Scott and Fields still are working on building a connection, but as long as that speed exists when the pads come on, the Bears will have found something in the rookie."
Scott emerging would be a boon for the Chicago Bears.
Several experts felt the team had gotten a minor steal even during the draft. They loved his raw speed (4.3 range), sharp route-running capability, reliable hands, and background as a running back. This makes him a threat after the catch as well. It appears those traits have translated to the practice field thus far. That is no small thing, with him going against a talented secondary every day. You don't beat guys at this level with speed alone. Word is Scott's also doing it with good releases off the line of scrimmage and properly setting up his routes.
It's clear he is taking his film study seriously. The rookie made it clear he had receipts ready for the 31 other teams that passed on him. He fully intends to remind them of that mistake in the years to come. That would suit the Chicago Bears fine. It becomes a question of when he gets on the field. His early success is welcome, but can he carry it into training camp? Most agree D.J. Moore, Claypool, and Mooney will be the top three options for Fields this season. Scott might become the fourth option if he delivers a strong preseason.
