Former Scout Says N'Keal Harry Trade To Bears Is A No Brainer

The Chicago Bears made several moves at wide receiver this offseason. They signed veterans Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd in free agency. Then they selected Dazz Newsome in the 6th round of the draft. A strong indication the team is hoping to add more speed and explosiveness to their passing game. However, it may have come at the expense of their overall size. Of the players projected to make the final roster, only one (Allen Robinson) stands taller than 6'1. This is one reason some fans were intrigued when former 1st round pick N'Keal Harry officially requested a trade from New England. The Patriots spent the past two years trying to make the Arizona State standout a success. It hasn't worked out. He was quiet as a rookie in 2019 and didn't show much improvement last season. Harry believes it is because the team hasn't tried to use his strengths properly. So after the Patriots did some work bolstering the receiver position this offseason, it was a clear signal that he wasn't likely to get much playing time if he stays.

Now he wants out.

The problem from New England's perspective is one of value. Recent projections indicate they aren't likely to get much for Harry if they do trade him. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN was told it would be somewhere in the ballpark of a conditional 6th round pick. For a guy who is only 23 and went in the 1st round two years ago? That is saying something. It's little wonder the Patriots are reluctant to admit their mistake. Former scout and current NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks sees three teams as prime destinations if the trade does happen. Chicago is one of them.

"Matt Nagy and Co. need to find weapons to complement Allen Robinson in the passing game. Despite Harry's struggles, he is a big body with the size and physicality to win one-on-one matchups down the field. With Robinson routinely commanding double-coverage, the young pass catcher could carve out a niche as a WR2/WR3 while learning the nuances of the position from the Bears' No. 1 option."

Harry is 6'4 with long arms. He demonstrated throughout college that he is particularly good at winning against tight coverage and in the red zone. If used properly, a receiver like that can be valuable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrPtmW0s_uw&ab_channel=ThePatMcAfeeShow

Is N'Keal Harry worth the risk for the Bears?

From a scheme perspective? No. The Bears run an offense that has a background in the West Coast style. Such systems are dependent on receivers being at least competent route runners. Through two years in New England, Harry has proven anything but that. Consider how frustrated the coaching staff is with Anthony Miller over this and that he's a much better route runner than Harry? This should offer a clue. At the same time, what Brooks says is true. Harry is a big, physical presence. Somebody who won't easily be pushed around by opposing defenders. There is also an added benefit. His contract. He has two years left on his rookie deal with the addition of the 5th-year option should the Bears wish to exercise it. Considering that three key receivers in Allen Robinson, Marquise Goodwin, and Damiere Byrd are all free agents in 2022?

This could be viewed as an insurance move.

N'Keal Harry would be a gamble in Chicago. He'd require a significant change in approach from the coaching staff. An admission that he probably will never be a premier route runner but can serve a key role as a big, strong possession guy who is good in the red zone. Is somebody like that worth a conditional 6th round pick?