Ryan Pace may have some trouble trying to sort out the wide receiver depth chart as the Bears approach the deadline to trim the roster down to 53 players — and it’s a good problem to have.
The early returns on the new arsenal of pass catches have been positive, and no one has done more to help themselves than Javon Wims.
The seventh-round pick was named to Pro Football Focus’ Team of the Week for this past weekend because of his breakout performance against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Chicago sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
He caught all four of his targets for 114 yards and a touchdown, good for a perfect passer rating of 158.3 when he was targeted.
He also forced two missed tackles after the catch, generating 58 yards after the catch, according to PFF.
This was Wims’ second big game of the preseason with a nice little breakout in the Hall of Fame game at the beginning of the month.
NFL
With an extra game under his belt, he has the most targets, catches and receiving yards of any wide receiver this preseason, and 11 of his 15 total catches have gone for first downs.
His offensive output would seem to justify a spot on the Bears’ 53-man roster, but Pace also has to consider the special teams contributions of his backup wide receivers.
Kevin White offers no value in this area, and Josh Bellamy is the true ace as a potential fifth receiver. If the Bears keep six, the young general manager has to weigh whether Wims is a well-rounded enough player to keep around on the active roster. He could be a practice-squad candidate, too.