2024 Bears Draft Target: Roman Wilson |
Now that we have finally reached Superbowl week, Bears fans can finally say the offseason can begin. In what is expected to be one of the most, if not the most, anticipated offseason in Bears history, Chicago has a chance to change their franchise forever by making one simple decision.
Unfortunately, that simple decision is more complex than some would think, as the Bears firmly believe Justin Fields is their guy at QB, but with the No. 1 pick, you have to decide whether or not Caleb Williams is worth it. From all accounts, Williams is not only the real deal but is a franchise-altering player that would immediately make the Bears a contender. Compare that to what you have seen from Fields over his first three seasons, and the decision seems clear, although the Bears front office is on the fence about what to do. The only way they move on from Fields is by trading him, but there isn't a good enough package to part with him right now. That could mean trading away the No.1 pick of the draft for more capital, and the Bears are expected to get plenty of offers for that No. 1 pick. Chicago is already picking twice in the top 11, but they could trade the No. 1 pick for more picks, giving them more assets to build around Fields should they elect to keep him. For the sake of this column, let's say the goal would be to keep Fields and potentially create an offense around him. Adding more quality talent on the offensive line is a significant way they can do that, but so is adding quality playmakers who can catch the ball. Apart from Cole Kmet and DJ Moore, the Bears have few trusted WR options, which is why many feel the Bears will target a massive WR option in free agency. It may not stop there as Rome Odunze, Malik Nabers, and Marvin Harrison Jr could be options for the Bears to take in the first round, all with the intention of adding more depth for Fields. Another option for the Bears to consider may not be a first-round option, but a day two pickup would be a steal in Michigan WR Roman Wilson. With Chicago set to begin the Shane Waldron chapter in terms of running the offense, look for the Bears to do what they need to do to put a dynamic offense on the field. Adding playmakers will do that, and Waldron will do his part to get playmakers to Chicago. Not talked about in the same category as the top four guys, Wilson has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker in an offense that could use one. Not only does he have exceptional speed, which the Bears offense needs more of, but he is very agile and has arguably the best hands of any WR not named Harrison Jr. His ability to separate off the line and pick up yards after the catch makes him a legitimate end-zone threat and could be the missing piece to the Waldron offense when all is said and done. In Waldron’s system, he could become a crucial weapon for the Bears, complementing Moore and helping bring life to the passing game. When you look at his career, Wilson has been consistent as he has 107 receptions, 1,707 yards, and 20 touchdowns with Michigan. That included a 2023 campaign where he hauled in 48 receptions, 789 yards, and 12 touchdowns for a run-heavy offense for the Wolverines. When called upon, Wilson produced as he was the favorite target for JJ McCarthy throughout the season. As mentioned above, he may not be the best WR in the class, but he could be the fastest as he is expected to run in the 4.3 range for his 40. His speed, mixed with his quick first step, allows him to take the top off of the defense as well as create separation on the underneath routes to make plays. Throw in his ability to win most jump balls with his elite hands, and he has all the tools you look for in a top-level WR. With the good comes the bad, and like most prospects, Wilson has some things he needs to work on. Yes, Speed kills, but Wilson is undersized for the WR position, which could leave him vulnerable to the big hits. While his hands are exceptional, which helps make the tough plays, he can often lose focus on the easy plays, leading to some inconsistencies. Add in the injury history, and those are all red flags for anyone looking to add him to their team. While Moore will be the team's No. 1 option again next season, the Bears are still looking for a No. 2 option or even the no. 3 slot option. Chris Godwin or Michael Thomas would be great options for that, but why not go for Wilson for a fraction of the price in the draft? Chicago loves to use the bubble screen for their wide receivers, which Wilson would thrive at in this offense. When you look at a pro comparison for Wilson, the names Taylor Gabriel and Pierre Garcon come to mind. Neither was the primary threat of an offense, but as you saw with Garcon for a long stretch, he was a trusted offensive option who emerged as one of the more consistent players for Andrew Luck and the Colts offense. That is what Wilson is hoping to become in the NFL, and he would be a great complimentary piece for Moore and company.
