Mike Furrey is fast developing a reputation as one of the "coolest" wide receiver coaches in the NFL. Two different newcomers to the Chicago Bears WR group have said as much. However, it would appear the high opinion goes both ways. When the dust finally settled after free agency and the draft, Furrey was left with a strong impression from his new depth chart.
Much of the buzz lately has centered around rookie Riley Ridley. Despite it being just minicamps and Organized Team Activities, the 4th round pick out of Georgia has already shown flashes of why he might end up getting playing time right away in 2019. His ability to process and understand complex route running gives him a great advantage than most his age according to Furrey as he told Arthur Arkush of Pro Football Weekly.
"That’s an advantage for him understanding what words speak to him in the huddle — because it’s a lot of words — and being able to now go function with what his assignment is...His missed assignments are so far below a normal rookie, and I think a lot of that contributes to him being in a system like that coming from college."
That praise alone is enough to make one excited about what the Bears have at wide receiver this year. Furrey wasn't done though.
Chicago Bears WR position might be the deepest it's ever been
The Bears already have a solid trio at the top with Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Anthony Miller. No one can say they have quite the star power of Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, but it is a good group with room to grow. Furrey though says what sets his new unit apart is how incredibly deep it has become.
"So you’re building what we call right now in our room: I want my guys to be selfish to become unselfish," Furrey said. "I want them to build their careers to the best they can be and become better. That’s going to help us unselfishly as a football team."
On multiple occasions during our visit, Furrey mentioned the Bears' "healthy" WR competition that now includes "10 guys that can have long careers." Imagine thinking that would be the case at the end of the 2017 season.
Think about that. Ten guys who can have long careers in the NFL. That's saying something. Remember Furrey played in the league himself for a long time. He knows what it takes to accomplish this feat. So for him to say the Bears have that many players in their mix? It's a true testament to the work GM Ryan Pace and his scouts have done.
It also puts a ton of pressure on the coaching staff. Whittling that group down from 10 to six will likely be one of the most difficult tasks heading towards the regular season in September.
