The Chicago Bears are witnessing a good old-fashioned position battle at wide receiver.
The first five WR spots on Chicago’s roster are presumably set. DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Tyler Scott, and Velus Jones Jr. will all make the 53-man roster, according to Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns of The Athletic, who published their most recent roster projections for the Bears on Friday.
While Fishbain and Jahns both agree that 26-year-old Collin Johnson is the current frontrunner to become Chicago’s No. 6 receiver after his stellar, two-touchdown performance in the Hall of Fame Game, Johnson reportedly has stiff competition for the job in the form of two veteran wideouts with special teams value.
"After his standout performance in the Hall of Fame Game, Johnson replaced Dante Pettis (as the final receiver)," Jahns said. "Jones’ place on the roster also feels safe."
"Keep an eye on DeAndre Carter over the next couple of weeks," Fishbain added. "He’s gotten reps in practice with the first-team offense, has plenty of return experience and played for receivers coach Chris Beatty in Los Angeles. Nsimba Webster, who has been with the team since Ryan Pace was general manager, also has made some nice catches in camp and is a valuable special teams player. Those two could challenge Johnson for that final spot."
If Johnson continues to produce anywhere near the level he did in Canton, Chicago will have no choice but to give him a roster spot.
At the same time, with multiple preseason games and a myriad of practices remaining before cuts must be made, Carter and Webster still have plenty of time to make an impression.
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