The Chicago Bears have proven to be capable when it comes to drafting receiver talent, with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden serving as evidence. This, along with the departures of DJ Moore, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay, leaves room to wonder if adding to the position will be part of the team's plan in the upcoming draft class. It is a possibility that Jahdae Walker is unquestionably paying close attention to, with the decision greatly impacting the pass catcher's career in either direction.
Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs provided an update on the position that should have Walker's concern. "Ole Miss WR De’Zhaun Stribling wrapped up the final one of his eight ‘30 visits’ today, and that was with the Bears. He’s a big target at 6-2, 207, and he can scoot - 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash." The fact that the franchise is exploring the position isn't great news for Walker, who is far from proven.
The pass catcher is coming off a season with only six catches for 87 yards and a pair of touchdowns. As exciting as Walker might be as a prospect, there isn't enough of a resume to ignore adding depth to the position. Kalif Raymond is the only notable offseason add, and this hardly offsets the meaningful losses the Bears have taken at the position. It makes a great deal of sense to draft depth, with there being a reasonable argument for a selection at the position at any point in the first two days of the draft.
Bears Receiver Jahdae Walker Has Reason for Concern as Chicago's Latest Draft Interest Revealed
Even opting to add a receiver on the final day of the draft is a threat to Walker based on the lack of investment from Chicago. The receiver was an undrafted free agent signing that fought his way onto the roster and now has a chance to win a contributing role. Still, the Bears have no reason to simply hand the receiver the role and every reason to add additional depth and make it a clear fight.
For Walker, this is obviously far from ideal, as the receiver was a winner coming out of free agency, appearing to luck his way into the fourth receiver role. Now, it seems the Bears are seriously considering adding to the position and forcing Walker to win his roster spot.
While this is the best approach for Chicago, it is a frustrating update for Walker and a clear message that his roster spot is far from safe. If the Bears add to the position as expected, the receiver is yet again going to need to prove himself and remind Chicago of the unknown upside in a player whose early career has been an uphill battle.
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