Chicago Bears: Malik Stanley would add nice depth at WR

Q&A with Malik Stanley – Part I

DaWindyCity (DWC): Hi Malik. Thanks so much for taking some time out of your draft preparations to chat with us.

Malik Stanley (MS): Hey man — no problem at all.

DWC: How are your NFL Draft preparations going?

MS: Oh they’re going really good.

DWC: Tell me a little bit about what you’re doing to get ready.

MS: We’re doing 40-prep, 5-10-5 prep, and the “L” drill.

DWC: It sounds like a lot of Pro Day prep. Are you working on technique as well?

MS: I’ve been running routes as well as working on releases, and working on mobility stuff. I’m trying to get more flexible.

DWC: Are you doing a Pro Day?

MS: Yeah that’ll be on March 26th at Lousiana Tech.

DWC: What do you hope to show the scouts at your Pro Day? And what do you think they’ll take away from that experience?

MS: I hope they see that I’m a strong, powerful receiver who can play inside and outside. I think they’ll also see that I have crisp routes and can be valuable in the run game as well.

DWC: What has been the best piece of advice you’ve gotten as you’ve prepared for the draft?

MS: That’s a tough question. Something that stays on my mind I guess is to take things day by day and don’t look at it as if I have to be ready right now. So I think that’s been the best advice I’ve gotten and it’s stuck with me since I started this process.

DWC: Talk to me a little about your decision to transfer from South Alabama to Louisiana Tech. What went into that decision?

MS: I saw it as a good opportunity for me to be involved in an offense that passed the ball more. I’m also friends with Justin Henderson, the running back. I really enjoyed the experience.

DWC: From a player development standpoint, what are some of the things you took away from your time at Lousiana Tech?

MS: I feel like my football IQ got a lot better. I started to see coverages a lot better. I think that was the biggest thing — not that I didn’t read coverages well before — but I think I just really improved that aspect of my game.

DWC: The Bears run a variation of the West Coast scheme, which is obviously predicated on precise route-running. So tell me about how you think your game might fit into that style of offense.

MS: I would say I can create a lot of separation in my routes. Even if I don’t create separation, I have a big enough frame and body and strong enough hands that I can come down with the ball and make a play.

DWC: What are some of your biggest strengths as a wide receiver?

MS: I’m powerful, and I can run every route. I think I get in and out of routes pretty well. I’m a physical wide receiver who can play inside and outside. I also have strong hands.

DWC: Who are some of the wide receivers in today’s game, or growing up that you liked to watch, and maybe some that you try to model your game after?

MS: Michael Thomas would probably be the first one who comes to mind. A couple who I grew up watching and idolizing would be Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Anquan Boldin, Michael Crabtree, and Keenan Allen are a few others.

DWC: You mentioned a lot of tough, physical wide receivers. Is that how you see yourself — as a physical wide receiver?

MS: Oh yes — of course.