The Chicago Bears operations this offseason have been busy as usual. They are acting like a team with a purpose, knowing they could be just a few moves away from a Super Bowl. GM Ryan Pace said he plans to stay aggressive despite the more limited resources this year thanks to previous trades and expenditures. One slightly surprising part of the agenda is how active they’ve been at wide receiver.
Already they signed a kid from the CFL in Jordan Williams-Lambert to a futures contract. Then it was reported they’d met with Fresno State standout KeeSean Johnson down in Mobile at the Senior Bowl when practices began. It seems they’re not done yet. Ohio State wide receiver Terry McLaurin confirmed to Bears Barroom that the team had also met with him.
Terry McLaurin is an impressive person and player for the Chicago Bears
It shouldn’t be a surprise that McLaurin “nailed” his interview as he says. The young man is highly intelligent, having graduated in less than four years with a degree in communications. Teammates voted him captain this past year and he’s widely regarded for his exceptional leadership. Definitely a personality that the Bears would seem to covet.
Can he produce on the field though? Yes he can. While not as highly touted as his teammate Parris Campbell, there is no question that McLaurin has ability. He’s 6’1 with a solid 205-lbs frame and caught 11 touchdowns in 2018 for the Buckeyes. The year before he saved his breakout performance for one of the biggest games of the year when he scored three touchdowns against Wisconsin in the Big Ten championship game.
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The Ohio State website claims McLaurin has speed somewhere in the 4.4 range. Given some of the big plays he’s delivered, that would seem to be true. McLaurin has only elevated his stock further with a strong week of practices down in Mobile, routinely winning one-on-one matchups with some of the best corners in the 2019 draft class.
Wide receiver may not seem like a big need for the Bears but it’s important to remember Pace’s motto. It’s always about the Best Player Available. Kevin White will be gone this year. Josh Bellamy is also a free agent. Anthony Miller is having shoulder surgery. Their depth may not be as good as people think. Given the uncertain health of Allen Robinson, who missed three games this past season, as well?
Nobody should bat an eye if the Bears happen to draft this kid at some point in April.
