Chicago Bears Draft: 5 receivers to replace Taylor Gabriel

Chicago Bears (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Penn State Nittany Lions, K.J. Hamler
Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

2. K.J. Hamler | Penn State

Other than Henry Rugs III, Penn State’s K.J. Hamler may be the most pure-speed receiver in this year’s draft class. I initially had an early 2nd round grade on Hamler, but after him not being able to run at the combine due to a tweaked hamstring, I could see him falling to the mid-to-late 2nd Round.

Hamler stated that he believed he would of ran 4.27-second, 40-yard dash prior to getting hurt. In addition to that, Hamler says he tries to emulate his game after Philadelphia Eagles receiver, DeSean Jackson, and when you flip on his tape it’s easy to see. Both are slight of build and utilize their speed to get open downfield.

Standing at just 5-foot-9, Hamler is the closest comparison of any receiver on this list to Taylor Gabriel. While Hamler’s build may be worrisome for most, it shouldn’t worry you too much as Hamler played in 26 total games throughout the past 2 seasons for the Penn State. If the Bears want to stay status quo and not make a big ruffle to their current offense, it would make sense to target Hamler. I mean, wouldn’t Allen Robinson want to play alongside another Nittany Lion?