I wonder if schools still give out “Most Likely To Be…” awards at the end of each year? Or, in a society that’s growing more easily offended, are they just pieces of paper that give people an excuse to be openly prejudiced? At the end of my eighth-grade year, I won the “Most Likely to Wear a Sports Jersey” award (figures), which I proudly accepted. But there were some cringe-worthy ones, like “Most Likely to Get Married” or “Most Likely to be on the News (good or bad).”
Anyway, let’s get back on track here…
Giving away these “awards” to sports players for sport-related reasons is morally acceptable because, well, sports. Right?
Either way, the preseason kicks off in a week so it’s only right that we dive into some “Most Likely To Be…” predictions for the Bears this upcoming season (thanks to The Great Aaron Leming for the idea).
Breakout Player – Tarik Cohen
While his first couple games were impressive in his rookie campaign, the Bears struggled to get Cohen involved in the offense. Opposing defenses knew he was their most dangerous weapon. His compact frame allows him to stay low and unseen behind the big guys upfront, while still remaining under his pads which enables him to use his Darren-Sproles-type speed to create big plays. His size is also deceiving, as he has the ability to lower his shoulder and absorb hits while remaining upright. Nagy’s offense will be a perfect fit for Tarik. He’ll use him as a hybrid Kareem Hunt/Tyreek Hill. Look for Cohen to finally be utilized the way Ryan Pace envisioned when he chose Tarik in the fourth-round last year.
Comeback Kid – Kevin White
Yes, I realize that this is a stretch, and I may be way too optimistic with this one. However, I’m hopeful Kevin White can bounce back and have at least a semi-productive year. The seventh overall pick in the 2015 draft has played a total of five games and has 21 catches in the last two seasons. As Ryan Pace’s very first pick as the Bears GM, getting any kind of glimpse of “first-round talent” from White would surely be a sigh of relief for Pace. The Bears have brought in five WR’s, either through the draft or free agency, which means White could possibly be fighting for a roster spot in the final preseason game. While every fan has reason to give up hope in #11, here’s to me keeping the hope alive. *takes a shot*
Rising Star – Mitchell Trubisky
The vibe I seem to get from football fans outside of Chicago is that Trubisky isn’t anything special and is on his way to “bust” status. This tells me they look a bit too closely at the stats. Trubisky has all the physical abilities to be successful in the league. He’s athletic and has sneaky speed if you give him room to run. He has the ability to put zip on the ball to fit into tight windows and has a nice touch to put the ball over defenders.
His ability to “throw receivers open” was showcased multiple times during his rookie campaign as well. The only thing Mitch is missing, in my opinion, is the right teaching tools around him to show him how to play the game the smart way. He now offensive-minded minded head coach, an innovative offensive coordinator, and a veteran backup QB in Chase Daniel who knows Nagy’s offensive system inside and out. Not to mention, Trubisky has the 18th top selling jersey in the league. I expect him to get much more respect from the national fan base this year.
Don’t Forget About – Jordan Howard
I mean, how could you forget about a guys who rushed for 2,435 yards and 15 TD’s in his first two years, right? With all the flash the Bears offense has this year in added talent, Howard seems to be the least compelling when it comes to what fans are excited for, and it’s understandable. His style is outdated. He doesn’t have bursting speed or an expansive range of “make you miss” moves. He’s an old-school, north-south, lower his shoulder if you’re in his way type of back. Training camp clips, however, have shown that his pass-catching ability has vastly improved. While I fully expect Tarik to lead the RB’s in receptions and targets, Howard’s ability to catch allows him to stay on the field more than usual.
Needs to Rebound – Leonard Floyd
When he’s on the field, he’s been productive. Being on the field seems to be his biggest obstacle. In his first two years, Floyd missed a total of 10 games. With the lack of depth at pass-rusher, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will need his best outside rusher to stay healthy to avoid relying on the blitz to create pressure. While I don’t doubt Fangio’s ability to generate creative blitz packages, completely relying on them when you have to face Aaron Rodgers twice isn’t preferred. It isn’t clear yet who will step up outside of Floyd and Akiem Hicks as a reliable QB-hunter, but Leonard Floyd needs to stay healthy this year regardless.
Offensive Darkhorse – Adam Shaheen
While Trey Burton is the more modern, pass-catching TE Trubisky will be targeting, Adam Shaheen is the biggest target on the Bears offense that will probably go unseen. Shaheen only had 12 receptions last year, but three of them were red zone TDs. With Nagy’s offensive creativity, I expect him to put Shaheen in favorable size matchups when the Bears are inside the 20-yard line.
Play action tricked me. But @adamshaheen3 with a great catch in the corner of the end zone! pic.twitter.com/ThuTLICTYV
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr) July 26, 2018
Look for Shaheen to have a similar low-reception-high-TD rate again next year, but if the Bears have red zone success next year, Shaheen will be a big (no pun intended) reason why.
Defensive Darkhorse – Eddie Jackson
Coming from Alabama, A.K.A. “DB University”, Eddie Jackson may have been the most NFL-ready draft pick the Bears have selected in a long time. Now, with a full year to digest both the speed of the league and Fangio’s system, Eddie is primed for a huge year. His instincts are his greatest strength, as he always seems to be in position to take the ball away (five takeaways last year, lead the team). With names like Akiem Hicks, Leonard Floyd, Kyle Fuller, and Roquan Smith on defense, Eddie Jackson will be one to emerge and force himself to be mentioned with the rest of them.
Under The Radar – Anthony Miller
A new #17 is in the building. Between you and I, this one will be better than the last one. This kid has all the makings of a potential star-receiver; confidence, swagger, and route-running. Reports out of training camp are that Miller might be the Bears best route-runner, and he hasn’t even played a snap yet. One of the more popular stories of camp so far is a matchup rivalry between Miller and CB Kyle Fuller.
Heavyweight Bout. @AnthonyMiller_3 vs Kyle Fuller pic.twitter.com/ieh1VLVB5v
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr) July 26, 2018
This means good things for the rookie, as going against the Bears best corner every day can only make him better. With Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel hogging most of the opposing defenses attention on the outside, there will be opportunities for Miller to flash his play-making ability. He’ll be very “under the radar” in the first couple weeks, then teams will be forced to take notice.
*HOT TAKE ALERT*
I’ll go as far as to say that I think Anthony Miller will be the Bears #1 wideout this time next year.
You can follow me and the rest of my sports thoughts @Eli_PerSources.