Summer Sleeper: Chicago Bears

Jacob Feldman

sleeperseriesWith less than a month before all training camps have opened around the NFL, we begin our annual series focusing on one sleeper from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness”, but all merit a little more talking about than we had room for in the dynasty capsules for each team. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Demaryius Thomas, Chris Ivory or Stevan Ridley. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

Marquess Wilson, WR CHI

Age: 20 (9/14/92)

wilson

At the half way point of the 2012 college football season, Wilson was viewed as being a very good NFL prospect. He was the leading receiver for Mike Leach’s Washington State team and measured in at 6’3” while running a 4.51 second 40 yard dash. Then things went south very quickly when Wilson was suspended for “violating team rules”. Wilson fired back alleging mistreatment by Leach and his coaching staff. No matter which side you take, things were ugly and resulted in Wilson declaring for the draft.

Teams were obviously unimpressed as Wilson slid all the way to the seventh round of the NFL draft even though he consistently produced in college averaging almost six catches for 100 yards per game, even when including his true freshman season.

Fortunately for Wilson, the Bears were willing to take a chance on him. If you look at the Bears’ roster, it is one of the thinnest receiving groups in the NFL behind all-pro Brandon Marshall. 2012 rookie Alshon Jeffery is slotted in opposite Marshall for the time being with Earl Bennett and Eric Weems as the third and fourth receivers. Devin Aromashodu was also recently signed back to the Bears after spending the last few years in Minnesota, but he remains a marginal NFL talent. Neither Bennett nor Weems are outside receivers and both fit best in the slot where they can use their agility to get open. That means it comes down to Jeffery stopping Wilson from getting on the field on a regular basis. If Jeffery continues to struggle with injuries and penalties, the Bears could decide to give Wilson a shot on the outside.

There are a few concerns about Wilson aside from his spat with his college coach. In college he weighed in at only 184 pounds, which for someone standing 6’3” is extremely lean. It means he may struggle with any kind of press or bump coverage offered by the more physical corners in the NFL. The good news is that he weighed in at 194 pounds at the NFL Combine, showing his willingness to bulk up. At only 20 years of age he should continue to fill out as he continues to mature as a player. If he continues to add weight, it should aid in helping him beat the press  and work his way into position when needed.

The other concern that some have raised about Wilson is that his hands are somewhat inconsistent and his receiving skills need refining. Like many young receivers, he can make a great one handed reception on the sideline on one play and then drop one that hits him in the numbers on the next. This is more an issue with focus than anything else. With NFL coaching and the added maturity that comes with age, he should be able to work through these issues.

The good news about Wilson is that he has everything that you can’t teach. He has a great size-speed combination at 6’3”, running a 4.51 forty. He shows good agility and makes very nice cuts and moves to get open while running routes down the field. His best feature is that he plays tough. He has fantastic ability to climb the ladder to make difficult catches all over the field and along the sidelines. He also does a nice job of lowering his pads and fighting for an extra yards at the end of his reception.

There are some parallels between Wilson and Tampa Bay receiver Mike Williams. Both were suspended by their head coaches in college, had questions about their focus and maturity, possessed good physical talents and have the ability to make highlight reel catches. The differences are that Wilson is faster and taller while Williams is stronger and tougher. The Bears are definitely hoping that Wilson turns out as well as Williams has. If he does, Wilson could be putting up WR3 numbers within two years as Marshall draws the coverage away from that side of the field. He’s worth a flier on your roster, especially if he starts to flash during training camp or Jeffery struggles.

 

jacob feldman