Everyone hates on the Bears wide receivers, but remember this equation:
Professional Growth + Jay Cutler= Fantasy Asset
I'm talking about Devin Hester and Earl Bennett.
Devin Hester- Sure, Hester is realistically a NFL No. 3 WR -- an ideal slot hulk -- if he were a member of any other NFL squad, but the fact remains that he is the Bears No. 1 WR, so who cares about what he "should" be. Here in Chicago, all Ron Turner does is rave about Hester, saying he can be a true No. 1 WR. I dont believe that statement whole heartedly but Hester's improvement at the position is seemingly non-stop. Plus the Jay Cutler factor... Not only is Cutler a hulk, but his skill set is perfect for Hester. Cutty will hit him deep on throws Kyle Orton failed to make. We project Hester to go over 1,000 yards this season with 6-7 TDs. He's a WR3 with WR2 potential and any punt return success would be a bonus.
Earl Bennett- The fact that Bennett didn't see the field last year is definitely concerning, but he was their '08 third round investment and the Bears are giving him every opportunity to win a spot as a starter this year. And for those who don't know, he and Cutler played together for one year at Vanderbilt, Bennett's '05 freshman year. That season he posted 79 receptions, 876 yards, and nine TDs en route to First Team All-SEC honors. Impressive for a freshman in the best conference in America. He and Cutler have the familiarity factor and Cutler is plenty confident in Bennett. I personally heard Cutler first hand on Chicago radio say "You're going to see a different Earl Bennett this season."
Bennett's Average Draft Position is at 220 (19th rd). You have nothing to lose at that Cracker Jack price! Do it.
While we're on the subject, Greg Olsen will be a top-7 tight end this year. Cutler loved throwing to Tony Scheffler in Denver, and Olsen is more talented and not a injury-prone sissy like Scheffler. Keep an eye on rookie WR Juaquin Iglesias, but he doesn't figure to make an impact this year. But with Cutler, it's not impossible. |
