Bears Search For Speed Has Them Digging in Matt Forte’s Old Territory
The University of Tulane isn’t known for being the biggest hotbed for NFL talent in the past decades. However, it’s been extraordinarily kind to the Chicago Bears. In 1959, they scored future All-Pro safety Richie Petitbon in the 2nd round. Then in 2008, they secured an unheralded running back in the 2nd round by the name of Matt Forte. He would go on to become one of the best backs the franchise has ever produced. Right up there with Walter Payton and Gale Sayers.
Chicago hasn’t drafted a player from that school since then. A span of 12 years. Could that drought come to an end this month? It’s possible. The Bears are in a desperate search for more speed on their offense. Especially at wide receiver. That would explain their interest in Tulane pass catcher Darnell Mooney who had a Face-Time meeting with them over the past couple of months according to Justin Melo of The Draft Wire.
Chicago Bears certainly can’t ignore Mooney’s speed
Mooney was the constant big-play weapon for Tulane. In four seasons, he averaged a healthy 16.7 yards per catch. He had 993 yards in 2018 despite just 48 receptions. This kid can move. The type who can take a 5-yard slant and turn it into a 50-yard score. The concerns people have with him start with his size. He’s only 5’10 and 176 lbs. So not only short but thin. His hands when catching the ball have proven inconsistent. To top it off, he’s completely alien to special teams.
So any team that drafts him will need to have a plan in place. He is far from a finished product. He is essentially a one-trick pony right now with that ability to stress defenses deep. His route running still needs sharpening if he’s going to handle tough NFL coverages. He’ll also have to embrace the idea of contributing in the third phase either as a returner or a gunner. Odds are he will be grabbed somewhere on Day 3.