For the Chicago Bears to take a step forward in 2024, they would need some of their young guys to further develop into quality contributors. That is especially true for draft picks. Darnell Wright and Gervon Dexter should have a prominent impact on their fortunes this season. However, hopes remain high for Zacch Pickens as well. Most people have kept their attention on three names at wide receiver to start training camp. Top target D.J. Moore, trade acquisition Keenan Allen, and 9th overall pick Rome Odunze. However, they haven’t been the only ones making noise in early practices.
A forgotten name keeps popping up in every recap lately. That is Tyler Scott. The former 4th round pick had a relatively quiet rookie year in 2023. Some wondered if he had the mental and physical toughness to handle the NFL. It appears having a quarterback with accuracy certainly helps. Caleb Williams keeps finding him for big plays almost every day. It was an over-the-shoulder missile for 30 yards on Sunday. Now, on Tuesday, it is a 40-yard bomb against the starting defense.
He may not be the primary target, but he is already pushing for that coveted 4th spot.
They already have two physical types, Moore and Odunze. Allen is a route-running savant who should dominate in the slot. What they could really use is a true vertical threat. Scott is that type of player. He flashed that ability at various points throughout last season. Unfortunately, some inconsistent hands and inconsistent accuracy led to few of them resulting in big plays. The latter problem could be solved with Williams under center. Has Scott improved his catch concentration? We should find out more once the pads go on.
If this trajectory holds, the Chicago Bears will have their top four spots locked in. From there, it becomes a question of picking the final two on the depth chart. Once can assume special teams will play a big role in that. Draft experts always had a high opinion of Scott. They felt he had untapped potential coming out of Cincinnati. It was about adding mass to his thinner frame and learning how to play the position with more detail. By all accounts, he is proving that.
