The Chicago Bears are trying to turn their franchise back around after a very disappointing performance during the 2014 season. They decided to trade star wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the New York Jets, and looked to the 2015 NFL Draft for his replacement. West Virginia Mountaineers star wide receiver Kevin White was selected with the No. 7 overall pick in the draft, and there are high expectations for him immediately to start his career.
White has the potential to turn into a legitimate superstar, but what are reasonable expectations for his 2015 season?
During his senior season with the Mountaineers, White ended up catching 109 passes for 1,447 yard and 10 touchdowns. He was the workhorse for the West Virginia offense, and was without question capable of making any defensive back have issues defending him. Chicago is hoping that he can immediately be that type of threat for them, and he has always lived up to the expectations throughout his career to this point.
Jay Cutler is entering what could very well be his last season as the Bears’ starting quarterback as well, and will need his receivers to step up for him. White is stepping into big shoes by having to replace Marshall, who was Cutler’s favorite target over the last couple seasons.
Chicago went out and changed their entire coaching staff this past offseason as well, which will be a big help for White and the Bears’ offense. John Fox and Adam Gase were brought in after leading a very strong offense for the Denver Broncos, although they did have Peyton Manning under center. They won’t have that luxury with Cutler, but they have the pieces to help turn things around and get the offense back on track.
At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, White is one of the most physical wide receivers in the NFL. He has drawn quite a few comparisons to Julio Jones, which is a very accurate comparison. His athleticism and ability to make plays in the air is exactly what has drawn those comparisons, and the Bears are excited to see what he is able to do alongside of Alshon Jeffery.
One thing is for sure, and that is the fact that White’s athleticism will transfer nicely to the next level.
Expecting the rookie receiver to come through with a 90-catch, 1,000-yard season might be a little too much to ask of him. That being said, he is likely capable of coming away with more than 1,000 receiving yards in his rookie season. He will be the starter across from Jeffery, and Cutler will be targeting him early and often.
There is no question that White is going to be in the running for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and that he will put up impressive numbers. Assuming he stays healthy, it is very possible that he catches around 70-75 passes for 1,100 yards and a good 10 touchdowns as a rookie depending on how he is used in Gase’s system.
