What should the Chicago Bears expect from Kevin White in 2017?
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White is entering the 2017 NFL season with high expectations. The Bears hope to reignite White with confidence for the upcoming season and beyond.
After being drafted seventh overall in 2015, it’s fair to say Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White hasn’t lived up to the hype thus far in his career. White missed his entire rookie campaign with a stress fracture in his shin. The following season, he only played four games before fracturing his left fibula and being placed on season ending injured reserve.
Finally healthy once more, White is entering his third NFL season and Bears fans should be eager to see him on the field. With only 19 total receptions to date in four games, the primary hope is to see White on the field and healthy. Having season ending surgery in back-to-back seasons is a giant hurdle for any player to overcome. White’s first step has to be getting time on the field to build confidence.
The more confidence White can build, the quicker he can return to playing the way he did for West Virginia in college. As the Bears are entering yet another sub-par season with little playoff expectations, the coaches can be patient with White. Due to the low stakes, it’s safe to say getting White as much in game experience is vital to his development.
What to expect from White moving forward
Unfortunately, right now all expectations concerning White are all hypothetical and assuming he can remain healthy. Everything from this point on is assuming White’s healthy and plays a majority of the season. Furthermore, if White can stay healthy there’s no reason he couldn’t become Mike Glennon‘s top target by the end of this season.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Next Chicago Bears starting quarterback makes Bowl Game decision
- Chicago Bears appear in the hunt while on track for the first pick
- Chicago Bears: They are who we thought they were
- Chicago Bears Rumors: Kevin Warren to oversee football operations
When general manager, Ryan Pace, drafted White 7th overall in 2015, the expectation was that he would become a star receiver for the future. Despite setbacks, White is still expected to become the go to receiver for the Chicago Bears. However, don’t expect White to perform this season like an elite wideout.
This year, the Chicago Bears have a very diverse receiving core. Despite their depth at the wide receiver position, White is almost 100% certain to make the 53 man roster along side other receivers Cameron Meredith, Markus Wheaton, and Josh Bellamy.
It would be exciting for the Bears if Cruz performs well enough in the preseason to make the cut and play the slot this season. Even possibly Kendall Wright who played well with Tennessee. There are also many other young talents however it’s likely most others will be delegated to the practice squad.
Who’s the ball going to?
In terms of targets this upcoming season, White should be top of the pack. White most likely will compete with Meredith for receptions in the fall. However, Meredith is currently dealing with a thumb injury and if it persists, it could lead to more looks for White. With this very underrated receiving core, Glennon shouldn’t have a problem spreading the ball.
White needs to use the entire season as a learning experience. Confidence and experience should be the points of emphasis throughout the season. As the season goes on, White can progress further into the elite receiver that he is expected to be. By the end of the season, White should become the go to option for the Chicago Bears.
Look for White to gain confidence and see heavy use in the redone. White’s a big receiver who can really get up there. Watch for John Fox try to increase his confidence by reminding him of the dominant presence he was for West Virginia.
Fox will try to find the same receiver who’d go up and fight for the ball. Statistics wise, I could see White going for around 700 yards and six touchdowns. In a perfect world where White’s healthy, this is a completely acceptable season. Most importantly it’d build confidence for White for the future.
Next: Predicting the Bears' 53-man roster to start season
White shouldn’t have to feel pressure since the Bear’s aren’t expected to contend this season. Given this freedom, Fox should remain careful with White and hopefully continue to develop him. For the time being, Fans should bear down and enjoy watching this young man develop this season. Be patient with White and see what he can do before declaring him a bust.