Who Will The Chicago Bears Sign To Replace Brandon Marshall?

Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports

Devante Parker, University of Louisville

There are reports that the Bears may go after defensive tackle Terrance Knighton. If they do, that opens up the first round picks to a few options. Where many had the Bears picking Danny Shelton, they may have an outside edge rusher, or even a wide receiver.

Chicago Bears

There are a number of very good wide receivers in this year’s draft. Last season, the wide receivers class produced THREE 1,000 yard receivers, and a couple more who were close. This year’s class may be better.

The prevailing thought is that Kevin White and Amari Cooper are the top picks. I think the Raiders are enamored with White’s speed so they will pick him. I am not sure about Cooper.

Cooper has a tendency to run off-route, and apparently that was something that drew criticism on Marshall. Cooper also has trouble with dropped passes. If the Bears go after a receiver early on (I don’t think they will), then DeVante Parker would be a better fit.

Parker is 6-foot-3, so he has the size to be successful at the higher level. His speed comes with his long strides, and he has excellent lower body explosion off the snap. He is a great route runner, and he has great footwork, so he could disguise his routes.

Parker cuts well after catching the ball, separating him from the defender and getting extra yards. With his abilities, he is able to find the end zone quite easily. For his career, he scored a touchdown every 4.7 catches. He was in Louisville’s top-five in career receiving yards with 2,775 and career touchdowns with 33.

From the films I see on Parker, I am liking him more each day. He will be a great professional, and if the Bears are bold enough to go with a wide receiver early, they should only do it for Parker.

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