Chicago Bears Draft: 5 mid-round prospects to watch

Marcell Ateman, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma State

Why aren’t more people talking about Marcell Ateman?

Let’s start there. So, he’s not an elite athlete — fair. At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Ateman gives you that big-bodied receiver who can overpower corners and safeties. However, he won’t blow past you, nor will he out-jump the best defensive backs out there.

Still, Ateman would give Trubisky a large and strong target in the passing game. Right now, we don’t know what to expect from Kevin White. We also have no idea what to expect from Cameron Meredith — if he is back.

The Bears’ receiving core, as it stands, includes three players coming off season-ending injuries in 2016. That’s a little frightening, and I don’t think people are mentioning that fact enough. Ateman played a healthy 2016 season and would come in right away to compete for some time. In fact, I think he’d probably beat out White on the depth chart and could challenge Meredith.

Ateman is guilty of not using his strong frame as best as he can at times, so that will be something he needs to adjust as a pro. If he doesn’t have breakaway speed or the incredible athleticism, he will learn to use his strengths in new, innovative ways in the right scheme.

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If the Bears are looking at Ateman still on the board in the fourth round, I would love the pick. Unlike some, I’m on the assumption that the Bears should continue adding at the receiver position. I don’t think the group is anywhere near solidified, especially due to prior injuries among the group. Ateman would be added depth and maybe, just maybe, the Bears could move on from Josh Bellamy.