Chicago Bears Draft Picks 2012: Why Alshon Jeffery Is Huge Risk for Chicago
Published by Jeff Chase on April 27, 2012
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears took a huge risk in the second round of the NFL draft, selecting South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
45th pick- Bears select South Carolina WR Alshon Jeffery (6’3 213). Gets paired up with Brandon Marshall. Evaluators r… say.ly/Fui3bhr
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) April 28, 2012
Jeffery is a great receiver, as Mortensen points out that he is “the school’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 3,042, which ranks second in SEC history.”
So why is Jeffery a risk?
After having 88 receptions for 1,517 yards in 2010, Jeffery had just 49 receptions for 762 yards this past season—not missing a single game.
Part of the production drop off could be related to the fact that the team had no solid contributor at quarterback, as Stephen Garcia got off to a horrible start.
Time for Jeffery to prove that to the world.
He did have nine touchdowns, one more than he had in the previous season, but the Bears should be concerned about his possible production—especially for a second-round pick.
Jeffery was in question for his weight before the combine, but according to NBCSports.com’s Evan Silva, he showed up to weight in at 216 lbs. after being at around 230 this past season.
Jay Cutler definitely needs all the help he can, but the Bears shouldn’t reach for players that may not make the situation any better than it was.
This could be the pick that makes or breaks new general manager Phil Emery’s first year in Chicago. He already took a huge risk in the first round with Boise State’s LB/DE Shea McClellin, and now he followed that up with another pick that has question marks all over it.
The team already acquired Brandon Marshall this offseason for two third round picks, as well as having Devin Hester, Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett—Cutler’s No. 1 option from Vanderbilt—all set to go this season. Not to mention, they also have Dane Sanzenbacher, who had 27 receptions for 276 yards and three touchdowns in very limited play last season.
The only way the Jeffery pick makes any sense is if Hester goes back to primarily returning kicks, something he does best.
Problem is, as the Chicago Tribune‘s Vaughn McClure reports, Hester may no longer be a kick returner at all after the team acquired both Eric Weems and Devin Thomas.
Jeffery could be a stud—no doubt about it. The thing is, fans have to be wondering which player will show up.
If he is in shape and ready to play like he did in 2010, than the Bears may have came away with a steal. Anything less will look foolish on the Bears part.
Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase
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