Earl Bennett to Compete for Starting Job (1 Viewer)

[az_prof]

According to Chicagobear.com, Larry Mayer, Bennett will have a chance to start across from Hester.

"Bennett in the spotlight

At wide receiver, 2008 third-round pick Earl Bennett will be given every opportunity to win a starting job opposite Devin Hester. Bennett played sparingly last year as a rookie and did not catch a pass, though he did show marked improvement in practice over the final six weeks of the season.

“We’re going to let Earl have a shot to see exactly what he can do,” Smith said. “He finished strong last year. He works hard. He’s a good player. Now it’s time for us to really see what type of player he is.”

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5653

 

[Avery]

From reports I read Bennett was one of the most "NFL ready" of the rookie WRs. I was very surprised that he didn't have a single catch last year after all, it's not like he was sitting behind some future Hall of Fame receivers.

 

[ClownDogs]

From reports I read Bennett was one of the most "NFL ready" of the rookie WRs. I was very surprised that he didn't have a single catch last year after all, it's not like he was sitting behind some future Hall of Fame receivers.

This is what scared me about him last season. Thought he would be somewhat included in that offense, should this be a red flag?

 

[az_prof]

From reports I read Bennett was one of the most "NFL ready" of the rookie WRs. I was very surprised that he didn't have a single catch last year after all, it's not like he was sitting behind some future Hall of Fame receivers.

This is what scared me about him last season. Thought he would be somewhat included in that offense, should this be a red flag?

I think you have to take these kinds of stories with a grain of salt--the guy still has to win the job and we don't know what sort of rookie competition he will have. Still, I think this officially makes him a legitimate sleeper. He is a guy that you can get for very little who is going to have a real chance to be a starting WR. As far as him being touted last season as "NFL ready" only to disappear, I don't think that is a red flag. Most rookie WRs disappear. If he disappears in training camp this year or if he gets a chance this year and then really disappoints, then I would red flag him. Because of the rare rookie WR who does make an immediate impact we falsely downgrade guys who take a year or two to develop, when in reality the most common pattern is second or third year breakout.

 

[Avery]

From reports I read Bennett was one of the most "NFL ready" of the rookie WRs. I was very surprised that he didn't have a single catch last year after all, it's not like he was sitting behind some future Hall of Fame receivers.

This is what scared me about him last season. Thought he would be somewhat included in that offense, should this be a red flag?

I think you have to take these kinds of stories with a grain of salt--the guy still has to win the job and we don't know what sort of rookie competition he will have. Still, I think this officially makes him a legitimate sleeper. He is a guy that you can get for very little who is going to have a real chance to be a starting WR. As far as him being touted last season as "NFL ready" only to disappear, I don't think that is a red flag. Most rookie WRs disappear. If he disappears in training camp this year or if he gets a chance this year and then really disappoints, then I would red flag him. Because of the rare rookie WR who does make an immediate impact we falsely downgrade guys who take a year or two to develop, when in reality the most common pattern is second or third year breakout.

All valid points but not even one catch last season?I gotta think something was going on, or not going on, in practice to keep him off the field, and again, it's not like those starting Bears WRs were scaring anyone.

 

[az_prof]

OCs and HCs can be a fickle bunch. If you don't block up to their expectations or if you are late to a few meetings they can bench you to send a message, especially if you are not a first round pick or proven veteran. I don't know why he didn't catch a pass, but if you read the quote it sounds like they saw him beginning to show more later in the season.

 

[buck naked]

I would hope so, considering the BEARS HAVE NO ONE ELSE!!!

 

[Chadstroma]

I think saying Earl will compete for the starting job after showing nothing last year is more of a commentary on the WR corps of the Bears than it does of Earl. After all, it is a 'lock' at this point that Hester is their #1.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

From reports I read Bennett was one of the most "NFL ready" of the rookie WRs. I was very surprised that he didn't have a single catch last year after all, it's not like he was sitting behind some future Hall of Fame receivers.

This is what scared me about him last season. Thought he would be somewhat included in that offense, should this be a red flag?

Is it him, or the ineptness of Ron Turner and the rest of Lovie's coaching staff?

 

[sho nuff]

He is a very good WR...not a game breaker or anything...but solid and will make catches.

 

[Avery]

He is a very good WR...not a game breaker or anything...but solid and will make catches.

I'd settle for him matching one catch.

 

[foxco]

He is a very good WR...not a game breaker or anything...but solid and will make catches.

I'd settle for him matching one catch.

 

[steelcitysledgehammers]

This is promotion by attrition. He hasn't really "earned" anything, we've simply got no one else to line up out there. Unless you consider beating out Rashied Davis an accomplishment?

It's more than likely they're running him with the first team now so they can adequately gauge whether they need to go OL or WR with their 1st pick. I don't think this indicates he's the front runner to head into the season as #2 (knowing Turner, it would be Davis).

Go Bears!

J

 

[MAC_32]

Don't the Bears usually take their time getting rookies on the field?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Don't the Bears usually take their time getting rookies on the field?

Like Forte?

 

[MAC_32]

Don't the Bears usually take their time getting rookies on the field?

Like Forte?

Key word, usually.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

From reports I read Bennett was one of the most "NFL ready" of the rookie WRs. I was very surprised that he didn't have a single catch last year after all, it's not like he was sitting behind some future Hall of Fame receivers.

This is what scared me about him last season. Thought he would be somewhat included in that offense, should this be a red flag?

Is it him, or the ineptness of Ron Turner and the rest of Lovie's coaching staff?

From the brilliant minds who brought you "Hester may not be good at returning kicks (in fact, we'll give that job to someone else) or punts anymore, but we really needed a poorer version of Berrian."But I did think Bennett was a good pick at the time.

 

[Warhogs]

Hmm. A March story saying player X will be given a chance to compete for a starting spot next year.

I'm not saying anything for or against Bennett. I'm just saying that it does not sound like any kind of news at all.

 

[flapgreen]

oh boy

 

[loose circuits]

just some writer pointing out the obvious. Bears are in desperate need for WR help, but they stand pat for some reason. They might think he has a chance to break out. Stranger things have happened

 

[Mr. Peterson]

just some writer pointing out the obvious. Bears are in desperate need for WR help, but they stand pat for some reason. They might think he has a chance to break out. Stranger things have happened

I really thought he was gonna be that WR to do something incredible his first year and that we would be talking about him instead of Royal and Jackson. Who knows though, Bears could have been just holding him back. If he develops a chemistry with Orton then he could be his go-to-guy. I don't think Hester is good enough to be a #1 WR or could be the focus of a passing game.

 

[King of the Jungle]

just some writer pointing out the obvious. Bears are in desperate need for WR help, but they stand pat for some reason. They might think he has a chance to break out. Stranger things have happened

I really thought he was gonna be that WR to do something incredible his first year and that we would be talking about him instead of Royal and Jackson. Who knows though, Bears could have been just holding him back. If he develops a chemistry with Orton then he could be his go-to-guy. I don't think Hester is good enough to be a #1 WR or could be the focus of a passing game.

I was impressed on the strides Hester made last year (route running, run after catch, hands) and think he will continue to be a major factor and big play threat. I think he continues to make strides and becomes a solid wr with game changing ability.

 

[Avery]

just some writer pointing out the obvious. Bears are in desperate need for WR help, but they stand pat for some reason. They might think he has a chance to break out. Stranger things have happened

I really thought he was gonna be that WR to do something incredible his first year and that we would be talking about him instead of Royal and Jackson. Who knows though, Bears could have been just holding him back. If he develops a chemistry with Orton then he could be his go-to-guy. I don't think Hester is good enough to be a #1 WR or could be the focus of a passing game.

I was impressed on the strides Hester made last year (route running, run after catch, hands) and think he will continue to be a major factor and big play threat. I think he continues to make strides and becomes a solid wr with game changing ability.

I think you helped MR. Peterson make his point. Making strikes toward becoming a solid WR does not a #1 WR make.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Greg Olsen should be the focus of their passing game.

 

[gonzobill5]

Greg Olsen should be the focus of their passing game.

You know, at first this Bears team struck me as a team devoid of weapons. But with Forte solid out of the backfield, Olsen developing into a stud TE, a young WR in bennett, and a playmaker (who could potentially improve as a wr) in hester, it's really not as bleak as I thought. Looking back, Orton was a solid fantasy option at QB through the first half of the year too. In the neighborhood of 10 TDs, 4 Ints, and 1750 yards. While I think this is a non story right now, I think Bennett should be on everyone's radar and he really wasn't on mine before reading this thread.

 

[flapgreen]

just some writer pointing out the obvious. Bears are in desperate need for WR help, but they stand pat for some reason. They might think he has a chance to break out. Stranger things have happened

I really thought he was gonna be that WR to do something incredible his first year and that we would be talking about him instead of Royal and Jackson. Who knows though, Bears could have been just holding him back. If he develops a chemistry with Orton then he could be his go-to-guy. I don't think Hester is good enough to be a #1 WR or could be the focus of a passing game.

This is just silly. If you can't win a starting job on the Bears or even catch a pass all season, it doesn't look good for you.

 

[flapgreen]

Like every thread in the SP, I give this a 1.

 

[mbuehner]

Not only did Bennett not have a catch, I don't know that he saw a snap. He only dressed for a few games- considering this WR corps that's pretty much inexplicable. That being the case it's really impossible to diagnose what that might mean. My Best guess is that there is a disconnect between Lovey and Angelo and Bennett became a casualty. I can't imagine Jerry being happy that he finally drafts a WR on day one and he doesn't even get to dress. And we aren't talking Arizona's WR corp here.

Of course what's Angelo supposed to say? We don't think our 2nd round pick from last year has any chance of competing for a job?

Whatever the truth of the matter is, somebody or (more likely) several major somebodies in this organization have no use for WRs. Which is a pity, because it is really causing problems all over this team- ie, Hester loses his effectiveness that gave them outstanding field position that gave their defense a lot more opportunities. Hasn't done any of their QB prospects any favors either, nor opened up any extra room for a very good group of TEs.

Not prioritizing a WR is plain stupid, particularly if you expect better play out of the QB position.

 

[Avery]

just some writer pointing out the obvious. Bears are in desperate need for WR help, but they stand pat for some reason. They might think he has a chance to break out. Stranger things have happened

I really thought he was gonna be that WR to do something incredible his first year and that we would be talking about him instead of Royal and Jackson. Who knows though, Bears could have been just holding him back. If he develops a chemistry with Orton then he could be his go-to-guy. I don't think Hester is good enough to be a #1 WR or could be the focus of a passing game.

I was impressed on the strides Hester made last year (route running, run after catch, hands) and think he will continue to be a major factor and big play threat. I think he continues to make strides and becomes a solid wr with game changing ability.

I think you helped MR. Peterson make his point. Making strikes toward becoming a solid WR does not a #1 WR make.

That's a very creative job of highlighting. But your Bold highlighting stopped just before this: "WITH GAME CHANGING ABILITY." Why did you ignore that part of the quote?No one is saying Bennett is a WR1 now. I think the point of my OP was that he is a young player, not on most people's radar who can be had for almost nothing, and his OC is talking him up and saying that he has a chance to start. If you play in a redraft league with two or three starting WRs, then this isn't news. If you play in leagues where finding a prospect before he explodes is required if you ever hope to get him, dynasty in particular, then this might be of benefit to some people. If you have a contrary opinion and know something about the player to make you think he will never be worth owning, that's fine--share it. I would like to hear it. So far I have heard two points: that he didn't catch a ball his rookie year (lots of rookie WRs take time to develop so seems overstated) and he plays for the Bears (valid point in terms of immediate production, but someone will probably catch enough balls there to be worth owning and it could be him as easily as Hester or some yet to be determined player).

This is the kind of news I appreciate. Someone posted a similar story last year about Burton and I picked him up and am happy because he is a guy who could do very well with Holt gone. Three years ago a post about Marshall prompted me to pick him up on a flyer. Opportunity is a necessary prerequisite for production.

Pssst! Nice rant but he was talking about Hester, not Bennett.

 

[PewterFan]

(Rotoworld) Earl Bennett admits he didn't know the Bears' offensive plays for much of his rookie season.

Analysis: "I was lethargic. It probably took me until Week 6, Week 7 to pick them up," said Bennett, who went to Vanderbilt and played in a pro-style offense there. At least he knows them now. Bennett is running as a starter at minicamp.

 

[az_prof]

(Rotoworld) Earl Bennett admits he didn't know the Bears' offensive plays for much of his rookie season.

Analysis: "I was lethargic. It probably took me until Week 6, Week 7 to pick them up," said Bennett, who went to Vanderbilt and played in a pro-style offense there. At least he knows them now. Bennett is running as a starter at minicamp.

Question: does this make his rookie season less troubling or more? Obviously he isn't the smartest guy if he didn't learn the playbook as a rookie, but he knows it now presumably. So, how important is "smarts" for a WR?

 

[mbuehner]

(Rotoworld) Earl Bennett admits he didn't know the Bears' offensive plays for much of his rookie season.

Analysis: "I was lethargic. It probably took me until Week 6, Week 7 to pick them up," said Bennett, who went to Vanderbilt and played in a pro-style offense there. At least he knows them now. Bennett is running as a starter at minicamp.

Question: does this make his rookie season less troubling or more? Obviously he isn't the smartest guy if he didn't learn the playbook as a rookie, but he knows it now presumably. So, how important is "smarts" for a WR?

Let's put it this way- if Devin Hester is the smartest WR on the team the Bears are in bigger trouble than we think.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Now he has his former college teammate at QB. That can't hurt

edit: heck, I just looked and Cutler only threw him the ball 1 season. I had thought it was 2. But still, he did catch a lot of passes from him.

 

[Spike]

Now he has his former college teammate at QB. That can't hurtedit: heck, I just looked and Cutler only threw him the ball 1 season. I had thought it was 2. But still, he did catch a lot of passes from him.

Why do you have so many duplicates of Clint movies in your sig?Why do you have so many duplicates of Clint movies in your sig?

 

[The Man With No Name]

Now he has his former college teammate at QB. That can't hurtedit: heck, I just looked and Cutler only threw him the ball 1 season. I had thought it was 2. But still, he did catch a lot of passes from him.

Why do you have so many duplicates of Clint movies in your sig?Why do you have so many duplicates of Clint movies in your sig?

No duplicate scenes, just some different ones from the same movies.Cutler was the QB that threw to Bennett at his pro day last year. They must have a very good relashionship.

 

[az_prof]

Another off shoot of the trade: the Bear's traded their first and third this year and their first next year. So, it doesn't look feasible that they will draft a rookie to annoint the new franchise WR. Bennett will definitely be in the mix this year.

 

[JoeSteeler]

From FBG email.

CHI - Bears looking for big things from WR BennettSource: Brad Biggs, The Chicago Sun-TimesBrad Biggs, of The Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said second-year WR Earl Bennett is a 'very bright person.' Angelo said Bennett had to learn three receiver positions last year as a rookie because he was a backup. 'That is where the learning came in,' Angelo said. 'I thought he got a little bit of a bad rap in that he struggles to learn. No. If we just gave him one position, he would have been off and running.' Angelo, as just reported, is counting on Bennett to emerge in 2009. 'I am expecting Earl to be a very good player for us,' Angelo noted.[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ OUR VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]Bennett is my early favorite for sleeper WR this year. But if we keep talking about him this much, he won't be under the radar for long. Bennett was Jay Cutler's favorite target when they played together at Vanderbilt. He struggled to get on the field in his rookie season, but made strides picking up the offense as the season went on. If Bennett progresses like the Bears expect he could be a sneaky WR4 in fantasy leagues.

 

[Matt Waldman]

If you're drafting now, he's a low risk/high reward guy in the late rounds and I would take that chance because the WR position really is wide open in Chicago this year. If you're drafting when most do - keep an eye on training camp. Nothing shocking about this viewpoint, just a reminder.

Personally, I think Bennett has Hines Ward-like qualities as a player and he'll be good for 400-700 yards with Cutler at the helm in his first year on the field. I wouldn't over analyze his rookie year. So few WRs do anything worth nothing as a rookie that it is easy to get the wrong impression of the guy.

 

[Solsticio]

Matt:

I am very impress with the RSP, great job.

I own Bennett in a dynasty league. Could you please post some of your 08 RSP observations regarding Bennett?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Despite my previous optimism... with little to build on in his first year, if a 2009 rookie moves ahead of him on the depth chart early, Bennett might be a wasted pick.

 

[NorrisB]

How can I get a copy of the 08 RSP?

 

[The Man With No Name]

How can I get a copy of the 08 RSP?

 

[Badm]

KFFL) The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett lined up as a starting receiver opposite Devin Hester during workouts Wednesday, May 20.

Rotoworld) Earl Bennett has reportedly "caught everything in sight" during spring workouts to this point. Analysis: The Bears will likely continue sniffing around the free agent market, but Bennett remains in line to take over as a starter. A path has been cleared with Rashied Davis and rookie Juaquin Iglesias competing only in the slot.

 

[boubucarow]

KFFL) The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears WR Earl Bennett lined up as a starting receiver opposite Devin Hester during workouts Wednesday, May 20. Rotoworld) Earl Bennett has reportedly "caught everything in sight" during spring workouts to this point. Analysis: The Bears will likely continue sniffing around the free agent market, but Bennett remains in line to take over as a starter. A path has been cleared with Rashied Davis and rookie Juaquin Iglesias competing only in the slot.

Every Chicago outlet I have read has also stated this. Bennett is the front runner to start alongside Hester as of right now.

 

[PatytonsGhost]

The only reason Earl Bennett is getting name recognition is because Jay Cutler was his college teammate at Vanderbilt. Bears operate like this. I bet Angelo was like hmmm look at this Bennett did awesome w/ Cutler in college so lets try him out 1st string and see what he does.

 

[Biabreakable]

This is promotion by attrition. He hasn't really "earned" anything, we've simply got no one else to line up out there. Unless you consider beating out Rashied Davis an accomplishment?It's more than likely they're running him with the first team now so they can adequately gauge whether they need to go OL or WR with their 1st pick. I don't think this indicates he's the front runner to head into the season as #2 (knowing Turner, it would be Davis).Go Bears!J

I think you mean by default.If it was by attrition it would be because someone higher on the depth chart got injured.I need to read up on this situation more.I am pretty sure at least one Bear WR is going to have a good year with Cutler in town and it could possibly be 2 or 3 of these guys getting a lot of action. I really don't know which ones it will be. They all seem like they have a shot because no one has established themselves.Wasn't it Rasheed Davis who started last year?

 

[bcr8f]

I think saying Earl will compete for the starting job after showing nothing last year is more of a commentary on the WR corps of the Bears than it does of Earl. After all, it is a 'lock' at this point that Hester is their #1.

They say open competition all the time. What do you expect them to say?

 

[bcr8f]

How can I get a copy of the 08 RSP?

PM him. He sent me one.Along with 06 and 07.

 

[mdog1967]

The only reason Earl Bennett is getting name recognition is because Jay Cutler was his college teammate at Vanderbilt. Bears operate like this. I bet Angelo was like hmmm look at this Bennett did awesome w/ Cutler in college so lets try him out 1st string and see what he does.

I think Bears fans are going to be very pleased with Earl Bennett this year.

 

[bcr8f]

The only reason Earl Bennett is getting name recognition is because Jay Cutler was his college teammate at Vanderbilt. Bears operate like this. I bet Angelo was like hmmm look at this Bennett did awesome w/ Cutler in college so lets try him out 1st string and see what he does.

I think Bears fans are going to be very pleased with Earl Bennett this year.

I hope not. :( sincerely.Packer fan