While there is excitement for Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas, he is currently banged up and might not see the field much in the preseason opener. More than that, nothing in the first preseason game will impact the top five receivers on the Bears' depth chart.
However, the debate over the sixth receiver gets very interesting.
Chicago Bears sixth receiver battle picks up steam in preseason opener
The Bears currently have six receivers beyond the top five of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker, and Thomas. However, there is no lock that the Bears will even keep six receivers.
So, these six receivers are not just competing with each other; they are also competing with other fringe roster players at different positions. Who has the best chance of winning the sixth spot?
Scotty Miller
Miller is a former sixth-round pick entering his eighth NFL season, so he is entering the preseason with the best chance of locking down a roster spot. Still, he had nine catches for 62 yards last year and has not topped 100 yards since 2023. If anyone else can flash, they can steal the job from him.
Kaden Davis
Davis is entering his second season in the NFL, but his first with the Bears. He has return game ability and has flashed some speed on deep balls in training camp. So, he looks like a younger version of Scotty Miller. Can he flash enough to be kept over Miller?
Maurice Alexander
Alexander is entering his seventh year in the NFL and his second with the Bears. He was with the Lions before this, so his familiarity with Ben Johnson gives him a leg up over others. Still, despite being with Johnson since 2022, he had one catch for seven yards in the regular season. They do not have to keep him, although he is likely to make the practice squad due to this.
Ray Ray McCloud
The team just signed McCloud, who will likely get return chances if Thomas does not play. He returned four kicks and one punt for the Atlanta Falcons last year.
JP Richardson
Richardson is a UDFA who spent his rookie season on the Bears practice squad. Now, he wants to try to climb the depth chart in the preseason.
Omari Kelly
Kelly is a rookie UDFA from Michigan State. He has not made enough noise in training camp and needs a big preseason to stick around.
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