With the NFL draft now less than three weeks away, the
Chicago Bears must make final preparations for battle. GM Ryan Poles understands the challenge in front of him. While the entire team needs help, the expectations remain that he must do everything in his power to help Justin Fields. That means better protection and better weapons. His work to this point leaves many fans underwhelmed. That is why the draft could be where he plans to strike hardest. Jalen Nailor seems to be somebody who intrigues the new regime.
Remember what Poles said back in January. When envisioning how he wants to build this team moving forward, one word keeps coming to the forefront: speed. The NFL is a league built around big plays. Teams that can produce them regularly often win more than those that can't. Outside of Darnell Mooney, the Bears don't have anybody capable of that on offense. This would explain the interest in Nailor, who
visited with the team on Monday, according to draft insider Josh Norris.
The young man was a walking big play during his final two years at Michigan State.
Over 16 games between 2020 and 2021, he produced 1,210 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 63 catches. That works out to a whopping 19.2 yards per reception. His peak moment came against Rutgers, where he scored three touchdowns, all of them over 60 yards. He is a danger every time the ball is in his hands. Jalen Nailor averaged 9.6 yards per rush on the ground and 19.9 yards per kick return.
It isn't a surprise he's so explosive. He was a standout sprinter in high school, winning a state championship. Talent isn't the issue with him. His problem is health. With various injuries, Nailor missed multiple games in three of his four college seasons. Teams are wary of whether he can stay on the field. This is a big reason why most expect him not to go until after the draft's first two days.
Poles is no stranger to his team taking calculated risks on receivers in later rounds. Kansas City did it multiple times over the past decade. If Nailor passes the medical checks and interviews well, the Bears might be willing to take the gamble.
