It isn’t a matter of if the Chicago Bears will draft a wide receiver a few weeks from now. Only when. What fans are trying to figure out is who GM Ryan Poles and the new coaching staff may target. The only things people have to go on is they prefer speed and are looking for tough, physical guys that have a high passion for football. There are plenty of options that might fit that profile in the 2022 class. Christian Watson is the one getting the most recent buzz.
NFL Network analyst Charles Davis has covered the draft for many years. He appeared on the channel recently to discuss what he feels are the best team fits for the top receivers in this class. When the subject of Watson came up, he believed Chicago would be a great landing spot for him. One reason is his talent, particularly his 6’4 frame and sub-4.4 speed. So he checks that box. The other is Chicago’s timeline. They’re in a bit of a rebuilding phase. That means they can afford to be more patient with Watson, who needs some work on his fundamentals before he’s ready.
It is undoubtedly an intriguing sales pitch.
Draft experts aren’t sure about him, though. Christian Watson has every tool imaginable in terms of raw talent, from size to speed, quickness, and strength. What they aren’t sure about is whether he can evolve his game to handle NFL competition. His success came against the cupcake defenses of the FCS. He’ll need to become a far more detailed and nuanced receiver if he wants to have similar success against pro cornerbacks.
Right now, his prominent comparisons include Dontrelle Inman and Simi Fehoko. Those are not the most inspiring names to be associated with. That is why Watson is classified as a boom-or-bust prospect. Somebody with a low floor but immensely high ceiling. He’ll either be out of the league in a few years or become a star. It doesn’t seem like there is any middle ground with somebody like him.
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Chicago has a dubious history of developing wide receivers, but they’ve had occasional successes. Alshon Jeffery is the closest example in this case. Watson is more talented than the former Pro Bowler but has far more to prove as well.
