Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Darnell Mooney has done some remarkable things in his first season as a pro, like in Week 7 when he put All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey in a blender for what should’ve been a 95-yard touchdown:
Get the damn ball to Darnell Mooney @RedLineRadio pic.twitter.com/cRypYNqBmv
— Barstool Chicago (@barstoolchicago) October 28, 2020
Mooney’s production would be far greater than the 21 catches for 236 yards and one touchdown he’s managed through seven games if he had a competent downfield passer who could connect with him on passes like the ones in that clip.
But that doesn’t change the outlook for Mooney, who’s quickly become one of the more exciting first-year wideouts despite his status as a fifth-round pick.
Part of what makes Mooney so special is his work ethic. The dude doesn’t stop working. Even when he’s home, he’s catching passes from a JUGS machine that he bought for his living room.
Check it out:
Success doesn’t happen on accident. @Darnell_M1 puts work in every single day. pic.twitter.com/L22bRMfiZL
— Dr. Michael Tal Risher (@DrRisher) October 27, 2020
The Bears’ wide receiver corps is currently led by Allen Robinson, who’s playing on an expiring contract. Whether he’ll remain in Chicago beyond 2020 is anyone’s guess at this point.
After A-Rob is a collection of names like Anthony Miller, Javon Wims, and Riley Ridley.
That leaves Mooney as the team’s most promising wideout who’s drawn comparisons to DeSean Jackson by ESPN’s Louis Riddick.
With Robinson’s status for Sunday’s game against the Saints in question because of a concussion, Mooney could get his first opportunity to be the Bears’ go-to-guy. Call it a hunch, but a breakout game is on the horizon for the former Tulane star.