LAKE FOREST - In the dark film rooms of Halas Hall, new Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery and his scouts are being confronted with an age old Bears problem: Can you really trust a wide receiver with great hands.
"We're watching film of this (Michael) Floyd guy," said Emery. "You just have to wonder...I know he hardly dropped any passes in college, but will that translate into the NFL? I mean, we have a tradition to uphold...and drafting a wide receiver who can catch is not in our history."
Over the years, the Bears front office has fell in love with wide receiver 'projects'. From Anthony Morgan's speed, to Dez White's agility, the Bears' front office has fallen in love with potential rather than substance.
"Some might ask, 'Why would you put so much faith in guys like Aromashodu?' Well, the fact is he's got that something. We're looking for guys who have that something...And is that something 'hands'? No. Hands are just a part of receiving. You need speed, quickness, agility, toughness...and, okay, yes, you need hands."
Watching film of Floyd, Emery was struck by some of Floyd's route running capabilities.
"Look at this! You see that route? He cut it off...now look at him...he catches the ball in traffic, breaks through three tacklers and goes into the end zone. That's not important. The point is that...you know what, let's find another play."
The Bears also have needs at offensive line and in their defensive backfield. Depth is also an issue at linebacker...however, finding somebody for Jay Cutler to throw the ball to might be the biggest of the concerns.
"If we can go the whole draft and get us another Dane Sanzenbacher who drops a ball every week, or another speedster with suspect hands, we'll feel good. Like I said, my goal is to embrace the history. If that means waiting three rounds to find a guy like Mark Bradley who caught 16 passes in college, then we'll do it...just as long as we can pump up his ability to make him sound like the next Jerry Rice. To tell you the truth, the whole thought of it excites me."
Filed under: Chicago Bears
How about Usain Bolt?? He's fast and he's tall. Doesn't matter that he's never caught a football in his life........