The Chicago Bears have been disrespected just about every way imaginable this offseason. Whether that’s being dubbed by several analysts as one of the worst teams in the NFL, having no shot at winning the NFC North or Khalil Mack not being a top-five pass rusher, everyone already has their minds made up about the Bears in 2020.
The doubt is easy to understand given the struggles of the offense last season, where they were among the bottom dwellers of the league. For a number of reasons, including quarterback play, lack of a run game, absence of tight ends and play calling.
Perhaps the most consistent group on offense, which wasn’t saying much, was the receiving corps, which was led by veteran Allen Robinson, who managed to thrive despite the offense’s struggles.
But Pro Football Focus doesn’t have much confidence in the Bears’ receiving corps outside of Robinson headed into 2020, as they ranked Chicago among the bottom six in the NFL at No. 27.
Allen Robinson II may be getting the best quarterback play he’s ever seen with Nick Foles getting the opportunity to win the starting job over Mitchell Trubisky. The fact that Robinson has been able to be as productive as he has (84.9 career receiving grade) despite dealing with Trubisky and Blake Bortles at quarterback is a testament to just how talented he is.
Chicago still is probably a little short in the receiving department heading into 2020, however. They ended last season ranked tied for 28th in team receiving grade, and their major additions consisted of Ted Ginn Jr., Darnell Mooney, Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet. None of those players seem likely to move the needle significantly next season.
The Bears released veteran Taylor Gabriel this offseason, as a cap casualty, but they did add speed to their receivers room this offseason, including the additions of veteran Ted Ginn Jr. and rookie Darnell Mooney. They also return veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, who might get more looks in the run game.
Chicago also has a group of young receivers on their roster, including break-out candidate Anthony Miller, fourth-round pick Riley Ridley and seventh-rounder Javon Wims.
While the Bears don’t have the deepest group of receivers in the NFL, they don’t have one of the worst either.
[vertical-gallery id=445818]
[lawrence-related id=445838,445808,445805,445775,445696]