Little by little, new updates begin to reveal who the Chicago Bears are meeting for their 30 allotted private visits with NFL draft prospects. They will consider some obvious names at 10th overall in the 1st round, like Ashton Jeanty. They're looking at offensive line help, such as Oregon tackle Josh Conerly. However, something else has emerged over the past week. Three names came up that paint a vivid picture of the team's vision under new head coach Ben Johnson. It started with SMU running back Brashard Smith, followed closely by Texas running back Jaydon Blue.
However, the latest name cemented it. They will meet with Texas wide receiver Isaiah Bond.
If it wasn't obvious before, it is now. Johnson is intent on improving the Bears' offense's overall speed. Bond ran a 4.39 at the scouting combine and seemed to have improved that time at his pro day, which saw GM Ryan Poles in attendance. Bond averaged 15.9 yards per catch last season. Unfortunately, he didn't get a ton of opportunities because teammates Matthew Golden and Gunnar Helm ate up targets. Many feel the young receiver has loads of untapped potential.
The Chicago Bears' interest in Bond isn't hard to understand
One thing that stood out with Johnson during his time in Detroit was his preference for wide receivers who were good after the catch. It was true with Amon-Ra St. Brown and again with Jameson Williams. Speed is great, but the ability to utilize it beyond the initial reception is truly useful. Bond can turn a quick slant into a house call at the drop of a hat. The Chicago Bears haven't had anything like that for a long time. D.J. Moore is a terrific YAC player but lacks the speed. Rome Odunze is an ideal possession receiver with his size and strength. Bond would give the offense legitimate home run ability. His comparison to Dolphins star Jaylen Waddle isn't an accident.
The primary concern with him is his size. Bond is only 5'10" and 180 lbs. More physical defensive backs stymied him quite often last season. That means he must work to improve his strength, or he'll need a coach who can find ways to free him up in space. Hence why hiring Johnson was so crucial. Bond should be a name to watch if he is available in the 2nd round next month.
