There are few certainties each year when the NFL offseason goes into full effect, but this year there are a couple of things we can count on the Chicago Bears to do.
One thing, for sure, is that the Bears are going to address the wide receiver position. Last year, trading for Chase Claypool was a start to addressing the position. But, the Bears still have a long way to go. Behind Claypool and Darnell Mooney, there isn’t a true, proven name.
Adding a couple of players this offseason, at receiver, should be a priority for general manager Ryan Poles. In this year’s draft, there are a lot of intriguing names and some depth at the position.
Ideally, the Bears come away with multiple rookie wide receivers. If they wanted to take a shot on a guy in the middle rounds, there might not be a higher upside pick than Maryland wide receiver Rakim Jarrett.
The Chicago Bears could find tremendous value in Maryland wide receiver Rakim Jarrett
What you might not know about Jarrett is the fact that he had originally committed to LSU, which is a bit of a wide receiver factory over the past decade or so. However, Jarrett opted to go to Maryland instead.
Although he hasn’t become a household name there, Jarrett’s playmaking ability gives him a great chance at getting drafted in the middle rounds.
The six-foot Jarrett is absolutely lethal after the catch. If he gets the ball in space, look out. He can take off in a hurry. One of his best traits is the yardage after the catch. He is a monster in that area, and that’s a spot where the Bears lacked any true prowess.
Jarrett’s skill set is one that can be used in a variety of ways. He can line up outside, in the slot or even used out of the back field in creative opportunities. Luke Getsy could do a lot with Jarrett’s speed, shiftiness and ability with the ball in his hands.
The Bears would likely still need a true alpha wide receiver to put on this roster, but adding Jarrett to the corps would just about round out this depth chart, should Chicago indeed get that alpha.
Jarrett caught 40 passes for 470 yards and three touchdowns last year. His lack of big numbers should allow him to go a bit overlooked, but make no mistake, he is a real playmaker. The Maryland offense wasn’t prolific by any means, and Jarrett would do much better as a pro if given the opportunity.