Stepping Between the Lines: A Look at Key Bears Battles in Bourbonnais

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Going into the 2009 season, the Bears could see a series of battles for starting spots and playing time at just about every position on the field outside of quarterback, running back and center. In most of these cases, it is the classic predicament of older veteran players trying to hold off the hungry young competition, hoping to force their way onto the field.

The Competition at Wide Receiver

As I mentioned in my team preview, third round draft pick Juaquin Iglesias and 2008 third rounder Earl Bennett should get every chance possible to win the No. 2 and No. 3 wide receiver jobs.

Veteran Rashied Davis will be given a cursory chance to hold onto his job, but Bears management and coaches would love to see him supplanted by players they made major commitments to by taking them early in the draft.

Iglesias has a good chance of earning immediate playing time because of his polished receiving skills and experience playing in a pro-style offense at Oklahoma. At 6'0", 210 pounds, Iglesias possesses quality size for the receiver position and could be a good complement as a possession-type receiver to the big play abilities of Devin Hester across the field.

Playing in the shadow of Malcolm Kelly and Jermaine Grisham in college, Iglesias quietly racked up 142 catches for over 2,000 yards as an upperclassman, earning all Big 12 honors as a senior. Iglesias may not possess the top end speed of most elite NFL receivers, but he runs efficient routes and can sneak by defenders downfield if not given proper attention and coverage.

Bennett failed to earn significant playing time as a rookie, but coaches expect him to earn a serious role in his second season.  With similar size to Iglesias at 6'0", 203 pounds, Bennett can also be more of an intermediate type receiver to run the short and medium yardage routes. He flashed nice speed in the return game, but as a receiver projects to be a possession type, that ideally averages 11-13 yards per reception.

A major positive for Bennett is his experience playing with Cutler at Vanderbilt, becoming Cutler’s favorite target during his freshman year in 2005. Already possessing a rapport with the new quarterback can be a key for Bennett to earn a spot on the field in key situations and potentially be a go-to player on third down.

Davis signed a multi-million dollar deal last offseason but failed to establish himself despite receiving ample opportunities to earn a starting spot. A quality locker room presence, Davis will probably earn a roster spot. However, his days as a main receiving option for the Bears have likely ended.

Fifth round draft Johnny Knox may find his way onto the field occasionally because of his deep speed, but he will probably need a few years of development before potentially challenging for a starting spot.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?