People weren't ready to accept wide receiver was one of the bigger needs for the Chicago Bears going into 2020. Then in the space of just over a month, it was announced Anthony Miller was having shoulder surgery and Taylor Gabriel was cut. Suddenly the depth behind Allen Robinson looks more than a little questionable with a severe lack of speed being something that stands out the most.
The Bears do have Cordarrelle Patterson but his strengths are primarily on special teams. Javon Wims finally got extended playing time last year but failed to make much of an impact. Hopes remain high for Riley Ridley though he didn't produce much during his rookie season. It's clear this offense will be looking for depth and explosiveness this spring.
Former player Matt Bowen of ESPN has been evaluating the class for some time. One name he pinpointed as interesting is Colorado's Laviska Shenault. A player he thinks is an ideal scheme fit for what head coach Matt Nagy likes to do on offense.
Chicago Bears will see lots to like in Shenault
It's probably not a coincidence then that Lance Zierlein of NFL.com compared Shenault to Sammy Watkins. The Bears pursued Watkins back in 2018 before he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that runs almost the exact same offense. The potential Shenault has is substantial in his estimation.
"2 Live" is both talented and stoic as a three-level threat with outstanding physical traits and ball skills. He offers explosive playmaking potential with strength/wiggle to house a short catch-and-run throw or race and leap to pull in a bomb downfield. Shenault shines as a phone-booth bully who's able to body up and create late windows while securing throws with vice-grip hands."
One could say 2019 was a disappointment for him. After posting 1,011 yards the year before in just nine games, he delivered just 764 in 11 games this past season. Part of that was playing with an inconsistent quarterback but it's apparent that Shenault is not a finished product. His upside is huge, but will require patience.
