Chicago Bears: Kevin White, the forgotten man

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace used his first-ever NFL draft pick on a talented wide receiver in Kevin White. After three seasons ending in injuries, can White turn it around under new head coach Matt Nagy?

When you hear Kevin White‘s name these days, what usually follows up after is different words that describe disappointment. That and a bunch of played-out broken bone jokes.

Overall, the fan base is not thrilled with the former first-round draft pick.

White was supposed to be the grand prize for the Chicago Bears having to go through the Marc Trestman era: a big, 6-foot-2 physical wide receiver with elite speed. Fans thought they’d be getting the next coming of Julio Jones. That definitely wasn’t the case for various reasons.

For one, White came into the league very raw as a route runner. At West Virginia, he ran less than a hand full of routes in their spread offense. When you think about it, it’s quite impressive that he put up the numbers he did as green as he is as a route runner.

Secondly, the multiple leg injuries didn’t help at all. For a guy that needs much experience as possible, he couldn’t afford missing development time.

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Lastly, the direction under former offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains was not ideal. Loggains routinely let opposing defenses dictate what they do on offense instead of attacking. Also, Loggains would oddly take players out of the game plan each week.

Who could remember when Loggains went weeks not utilizing Tarik Cohen, or iced his leading receiver Kendall Wright out the offense for a number weeks in favor of Tanner Gentry and Tre McBride? Safe to say White wouldn’t have much success with an offensive coordinator that was way over his head.

Nagy’s West Coast/spread offense should fit White strengths a little more than Loggains’ offense. White was at his best working in a similar system back at West Virginia. Some familiarity should allow White to play fast which Nagy alluded to in the Bears first mini-camp practice this past Tuesday.

With the surprising decision to not match the New Orleans Saints offer on Cameron Meredith, the Bears will need a compliment wide receiver to Allen Robinson. It’s expected that the Bears will add more depth to the position via the draft next week. However, White will likely get the first crack at proving he could be that guy.

Next: Top 10 picks under Ryan Pace

White fulfilling his potential or at the very least developing into a solid number two wide receiver in Nagy’s system is a best-case scenario for Pace. This is likely White’s last chance with the Bears as the expectations are that they will decline his fifth-year option. Can he break through in his fourth year in the league under a more creative play caller in Nagy?