Marquess Wilson and the NFL: Chicago Bears

Marquess’ first two seasons at Washington State were undeniable and he looked destined to be at least a high day 2 pick going into 2012. But his final season was one of ups and downs before walking away from his team with just 3 games remaining. The character questions are there and on top of that there is an inconsistency concern going into April’s NFL Draft.

In 2012 MQW only caught more than 5 passes in a game twice, against Oregon (12 for 182, 1 td) and Utah (9 for 100). Also, he only caught passes for more than 100 yards 3 times (adding a 110 yard, 2 td performance vs UNLV). In the early stages of the season, some of this was attributed to penalties calling back several big gains and at least 3 touchdowns if memory serves. But more often times it was a pure lack of concentration that kept Wilson from big numbers in games, as he dropped several passes that were destined for big yards. 

Regardless, Marquess Wilson is a natural big play talent who could really excel in the NFL if put into the right situation with a coach, receiving mentor and quarterback who will teach him all about being a professional and work ethic at his position. We’re examining his chances, team by team on making the roster as is with no agenda towards who the team would take otherwise at the wide receiver position. 

Jan 17, 2013; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears new head coach Marc Trestman during a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears

Stacked Against the Pick

With only 5 draft picks in 2013, Chicago will be drafting for need over depth.

By all accounts the Bear’s line play was terrible in 2012 and they are committed to improving it on both sides of the ball this off season. It’s easy to see 2 or 3 draft picks going to the offensive and defensive lines. The aging linebacker core is also a point of emphasis for Chicago in the draft, leaving just one pick for Chicago to work with.

Chicago’s air attack ranked 29^th in the league and it went almost entirely through Brandon Marshall in 2012. Alshon Jeffery did show improvement late in the year and Earl Bennett has been a decent player for them over the last few seasons. The team could use another big play threat but the current thinking is at TE not at the WR position. If the right offensive weapon fell to Chicago early, it may be hard for them to pass. This would eliminate the need for a value pick such as Marquess Wilson in the later rounds.

With only 5 picks and too many pressing needs it is hard to see Wilson being drafted by Chicago.

The Perfect Storm

New head coach Marc Trestman is touted as an offensive guru and adding more offensive weapons would seem to fit his MO. If the Bears were to use their first four draft picks filling their immediate needs, their final pick in the 6^th round may be an option for a receiver such as Wilson.

Devin Hester hasn’t quite worked out as a wide receiver, and the other two backups on the roster combined for 2 catches in 2012. There is a need for more depth at the wide receiver position in Chicago, and if drafted, Wilson could immediately compete for the 3rd or 4th spot in training camp.

While there may be a need for more depth at receiver, Chicago has too many holes and not enough picks to fill them. Marquess Wilson will indeed need a perfect storm for Chicago to draft him with their final pick in 2013.