Chicago Bears: Predictions for three key training camp battles

Who earns the Chicago Bears’ final wide receiver spot?

This offseason, the Chicago Bears brought in the speedy 14-year veteran wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. The former Ohio State Buckeye still has some wheels and is the kind of wide receiver that can really take the top off the defense. This is especially key for an offense who lost Taylor Gabriel and who has many wide receivers who fit the mold of a bigger-bodied wide receiver.

However, it wasn’t that long ago when fans had high expectations for former 2018 seventh-round pick Javon Wims, who flashed in the preseason and also in the final regular-season game of 2018 against the Minnesota Vikings. However, he didn’t seem to take the next step last season and will likely be in a battle with Ginn and the Bears’ fourth-round pick in 2019, Riley Ridley.

Ridley, known as a terrific route runner coming out of the University of Georgia, didn’t seem to get many opportunities, and from that perspective, might make sense as the odd man out.

However, ultimately Ridley will make the team, especially considering wide receivers coach Mike Furrey who predicts Ridley could be a breakout candidate.

Ultimately, I think Wims will be the odd man out and could find his way on the practice squad. However, this year’s fifth-round draft pick, Darnell Mooney will make great strides in the preseason, making Ginn expendable at some point in the season, which could lead to the return of Wims.