Wide receiver will be a position of heavy focus for the Chicago Bears in this draft. They have D.J. Moore in place, but with Darnell Mooney leaving, they need a #2 option for whoever their next quarterback is. GM Ryan Poles has shown during his tenure that he has certain measurable players must meet at every position if he is going to draft them. It is no different for wide receivers. Based on his acquisitions to date, Poles preferences boil down to these parameters.
They must be at least 6'0 tall, weigh 200+ lbs, run with sub-4.5 speed, and have a vertical jump of 33+ inches. After watching the scouting combine unfold this year, multiple receivers reached those thresholds who could end up being prominent targets for Poles and company next month.
These names feel like Ryan Poles guys.
Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
- 6'2
- 205 lbs
- 40 time: 4.34
- Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
- Broad jump: 11 ft 4 inches
Most will characterize him as a one-year wonder, coming out of nowhere in 2023 for Texas to post 845 yards and 11 touchdowns while helping them make the College Football Playoffs. Mitchell earned a reputation as somebody who can make the tough catches against physical coverage. His ceiling is certainly high based on his test scores.
Xavier Leggett (WR, South Carolina)
- 6'1
- 221 lbs
- 40 time: 4.39
- Vertical jump: 40 inches
- Broad jump: 10 ft 6 inches
Leggett looked like a lost cause through four years at South Carolina. Then he exploded in 2023, racking up 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. He carried that momentum into a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. Couple that with his outstanding test numbers and it makes you wonder what happened those earlier years that he didn't blossom sooner.
Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
- 6'1
- 212 lbs
- 40 time: 4.43
- Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
- Broad jump: 10 ft 2 inches
This is a case of production not matching potential. Means was a decent receiver over three years at Pitt, posting 721 yards and six touchdowns last year. Part of it could be the fact he was haunted by quarterback problems. His best years could be ahead of him presuming he learns how to diversify his route tree at the next level.
Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
- 6'1
- 202 lbs
- 40 time: 4.44
- Vertical jump: 39.5 inches
- Broad jump: 11 ft
Ryan Poles is never afraid to take calculated risks on small school prospects if he feels they have the necessary traits to play in the NFL. Flournoy is a perfect example. Size? Speed? Explosiveness? All there. He had at least 800 yards and six touchdowns in each of the past two years. He even showcased some of his versatility with two rushing touchdowns.
Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
- 6'2
- 212 lbs
- 40 time: 4.47
- Vertical jump: 39 inches
- Broad jump: 10 ft 4 inches
Michael Penix enjoyed a resurgent career in Washington, and a big reason for that was Odunze. He was stellar across the past two years, amassing almost 2800 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. His mix of size, strength, speed, and hands made him a headache for every defensive back to cover because he knew how to get open and could still catch it even when covered.
Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
- 6'2
- 209 lbs
- 40 time: 4.34
- Vertical jump: 38.5 inches
- Broad jump: 10 ft 6 inches
Malik Nabers was the start of that LSU passing attack, but Thomas is the greater physical specimen. Not many guys that size should be able to move that fast. Not only did he average 17.3 yards per catch last season, but he also scored 17 touchdowns. He might still be scratching the surface of what he can be if he can do that despite Nabers' getting so much attention.
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