Chicago Bears: 3 heated position battles born from 2021 NFL Draft
By Ryan Heckman
Chicago Bears position battles: Dazz Newsome vs. Anthony Miller
The slot receiver job is going to be an interesting one to monitor, because the Bears also signed a couple of other receivers this offseason in Marquise Goodwin and Damiere Byrd. Both of these guys are extremely fast, and Byrd projects as a slot guy as well. Goodwin is more outside, but Byrd could compete with these other two guys for the job.
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The competition we should be looking forward to, though, is between veteran Anthony Miller and rookie Dazz Newsome.
It seems weird automatically pinning a sixth-round pick from this year’s draft against a former second rounder whom the Bears traded up for. Miller has certainly possessed the potential to be a great slot receiver, but it’s the mental aspect that has hurt him the most. Attitude and drops are a problem.
The door has been open for the Bears to trade Miller, but a couple of days ago Brad Biggs of The Chicago Tribune seemed pretty adamant that he wouldn’t be dealt. If Miller sticks around, it could be between he and the rookie Newsome.
Now, Newsome is an excellent candidate to win the slot job. He is best in that area and does a lot of great things after the catch. Footwork and shiftiness are two of his best traits. He actually represents a lot of what Miller had coming out of college, characteristic-wise. This will be a great battle to watch. Don’t be surprised if the rookie overtakes Miller for the job, either.