Tyke Tolbert Has Done Well With WRs Like N’Keal Harry Before

The Chicago Bears took a flier on a trade for ex-1st round pick N’Keal Harry from the New England Patriots. GM Ryan Poles is looking to improve the overall wide receiver competition while adding another body capable of run-blocking. People aren’t sure what to expect. Harry was always a talented player. His run at Arizona State proved that much. Things never seemed to click with the Patriots. Some doubt he has the mental faculties necessary to function in the NFL. Others wonder if New England never utilized his strengths as a receiver. That is where the presence of Tyke Tolbert comes in.

The Bears hired the 54-year-old as their new wide receivers coach earlier this off-season. He has served in that capacity for five different NFL teams dating back to 2003. Plenty of success followed, including a Super Bowl championship in 2015. To be a successful receivers coach, one must be able to help maximize the strengths and hide the weaknesses of his players. When looking at Harry, his game is not built around speed or sharp route-running. He is a big body with long arms and good hands. He is best when allowed to play the game like a power forward in the NBA.

Tolbert is familiar with this type of receiver.

His first year in the league came with the Arizona Cardinals. They selected a big receiver out of Florida State named Anquan Boldin. All people talked about was his ugly 4.71 in the 40-yard dash. It didn’t matter. The Cardinals utilized him according to his strengths, and he finished as the Offensive Rookie of the Year with 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns.

A few years later, Tolbert landed in Denver. The Broncos had an interesting former 3rd round pick named Eric Decker, who’d done little as a rookie the year prior. While not overly fast (4.54), he had 6’3 size and strong hands. Under Tolbert’s direction, Decker broke out with 612 yards and eight touchdowns in his second year. Last but certainly not least, Tolbert got back-to-back seasons of over 700 yards from 5th round pick Darius Slayton in New York for the Giants.

Tyke Tolbert will give Harry the best coaching possible.

It comes down to whether the receiver takes to the instructions properly. Right now, he isn’t going to get the benefit of the doubt. The Patriots are still considered one of the premier organizations in the NFL. If you failed to find success under a future Hall of Famer like Bill Belichick, it is hard to imagine that changing with a new team. Then again, sometimes certain players don’t handle certain coaching styles.

There is also the question of scheme fit. Harry never made much sense for New England. Their offense had always put a premium on quicker receivers with route-running skills. That wasn’t his style. He needs an offense that will use him as a possession receiver, at his best on 3rd down and in the red zone. Throw the ball in his direction and let him go get it. Tyke Tolbert knows how to work with players like that.

It will be interesting to see where he fits in the Bears hierarchy.

Currently, the top three options will be Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, and Velus Jones. Harry will compete for that fourth spot with guys like Equanimeous St. Brown, Tajae Sharpe, and Dante Pettis. With it being a contract season, he has plenty of motivation to do well.