2017 NFL Draft Daily Chicago Bears Target: Penn State Wide Receiver Chris Godwin

Wide receiver Chris Godwin is an extremely interesting mid-round target for the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The 2017 NFL draft class is loaded with talent at many positions. The Chicago Bears are loaded with a lot of draft capital this year after an ugly 3-13 season and need to find multiple impact players in the 2017 NFL Draft. Can Ryan Pace and company follow-up their strong showing in the 2016 draft with another impressive haul of players? Let’s just say, they better.

As we continue to check on possible 2017 NFL Draft targets for the Bears, today we take a look at Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin. After losing Alshon Jeffery in free agency, the Bears’ top four receivers on the depth chart are Kevin White, Cameron Meredith, Kendall Wright and Markus Wheaton. Not exactly a fearsome foursome of pass catchers.

I fully expect the Bears to address their weak wide receiver situation early in the 2017 NFL Draft. Godwin would be a strong fit.

Godwin is a quick and powerful receiver who shows the ability to make an impact both on the outside and out of the slot. He has good, but not great size for the position at 6-1, 209 pounds. Godwin sports a stocky and powerful frame that allows him to compete well for balls in the air. I would not call him an elite athlete, but Godwin can go up and get the ball.

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The physical skills are there for Godwin to be a handful at the next level, but his on-field awareness is what really stands out. Godwin is an incredible route runner who always seems to find an opening in the defense. He knows how to get open and has the short-area quickness to beat man coverage with consistency.

Godwin was a consistent contributor for Penn State the last two seasons, but he really burst onto the scene in his last college game. Against USC in the Rose Bowl Game, Godwin came down with nine receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns. A majority of his work came against cornerback Adoree Jackson who is a probable day two pick in the 2017 NFL Draft himself.

A majority of his work came against cornerback Adoree Jackson. Jackson is a probable day two pick in the 2017 NFL Draft himself. Godwin absolutely abused Jackson in that game. Case in point:

The Bears need help at the wide receiver position and Godwin is an extremely talented player whose strengths will translate well to the next level. Landing a guy like this would certainly help give Mike Glennon a chance in this passing attack.

Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Godwin is would be a huge steal on day two of the 2017 NFL Draft. He should be under consideration for the Bears in the second round and would be a slam dunk choice in the third.