Reports Show Bears WR Competition Already Has Early Winners And Losers

The Chicago Bears brass said they wanted roster-wide competition this year. After a flurry of moves in free agency and the draft, it appears they've gotten their wish. Several position groups are suddenly deeper than last year, and that creates uncertainty with so few roster spots available. No position reflects this better than the wide receivers. After adding D.J. Moore and Tyler Scott in the spring, GM Ryan Poles has created a logjam. He'd already added Chase Claypool and Velus Jones last year while bringing back Dante Pettis and Equanimeous St. Brown.

Throw in some undrafted rookies and it's clear not every familiar name will emerge from this training camp with a job. In fact, there are signs that some players are already creating separation in the race. Nicholas Moreano of CHGO offered more evidence of this from minicamp practices.

"PJ Walker had a nice completion to Tyler Scott in 7 on 7s. Walker found Scott on an outbreaking route with Jaylon Jones in coverage. Walker and Velus Jones Jr. missed on a deep route down the right sideline. Hard to tell who was at fault on the play. Walker and Jones attempted to connect again near the left sideline, but Jaylon Jones played tight coverage and the ball ended up hitting Velus Jones in the chest.

There weren’t a lot of positives for the offense during 11 on 11s. Two of Fields’ best plays during this part of practice both went to Pettis. One was a short completion on the right side. Fields rifled a pass to Pettis and Kyler Gordon just missed tipping the ball. The next play was an intermediate throw in the middle of the field."

This isn't an isolated incident.

For the past couple of weeks, it's been clear that the rookie Scott and veteran Pettis have produced more positive plays in the passing game. Jones remains the team's best kick returner, but that might not be enough to save him. St. Brown also hasn't done much of note, which isn't helping his case.

The Chicago Bears won't be playing favorites.

They've made it clear competition is open to everybody. Yes, Jones was a 3rd round draft pick. That doesn't matter much if he's not showing why on the field. They felt he could offer them more offensively than being an occasional jet sweep guy. His development as a receiver must go beyond making one long catch every few games. Scott is already proving to be a more reliable target in that regard. He not only has speed, but he couples that with a rapidly improving arsenal of releases and routes.

People may not like Dante Pettis because of his frustrating hands, but it's undeniable he knows how to get open. He runs good routes and Justin Fields trusts him. St. Brown has never fully developed in that department. His ability as a run blocker was useful last season, but that won't be enough to keep a roster spot this time around. It's still early. There is plenty of time to turn things around. Still, Jones and St. Brown would be wise not to wait too long. It doesn't look like Pettis and Scott plan to rest on their laurels anytime soon.