The Chicago Bears have spent the previous few months developing a powerful offensive, at least on paper, but one aspect of their approach remains under the radar.
That player is wide receiver Tyler Scott, who has understandably fallen behind not just DJ Moore, who also played his first season with the Bears in 2023, but also Keenan Allen, who was acquired in a trade this offseason, and Rome Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
“Scott showed some promising signs as a potential slot receiver in the second part of the 2023 season. The Cincinnati product caught 17 passes for 168 yards on 32 targets. On Monday, May 21, Joe Tansey of Bleacher Report stated, “The catch rate needs to improve, but the talent appears to be there to be a fringe contributor in the passing game.” “Scott needs a strong summer to maintain his fourth-place ranking on the depth chart, trailing Moore, Allen, and Odunze.” A solid set of practices may result in a greater quantity of snaps in 2024.”
Tyler Scott Can Offer Talented Bears WR Room Deep-Threat Option
Chicago selected Scott with a fourth-round pick (No. 133 overall) in 2023. His attractiveness as a prospect resides with his explosive playmaking ability rather than his traditional attributes, as the wideout stands just 5-feet, 11-inches tall and weighs only 185 pounds.
Scott ran a 4.44-second 40-yard sprint at the NFL Combine just over a year ago, with a vertical leap of 39.5 inches. According to NFL.com, his athletic score at that year’s combine placed him eighth among all receivers.
Scott’s potential worth to Chicago’s offense, as formidable as it may be without him, is as a deep threat capable of taking the top off a defense stacked with Pro Bowl-caliber talent.
The more skill the Bears have added to the receiving room reduces Scott’s margin for error significantly more than it would otherwise. However, if he can secure the No. 4 slot in the position group this summer and start the regular season with a passing attack led by rookie quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, he will thrive.
Health Will Play Large Factor in Determining Tyler Scott’s Role With Bears
Tansey noted that one injury could change the course of Scott’s career trajectory in Chicago, which could prove true in either direction.
Allen is a consummate Pro Bowler, earning the honor six of the last seven years. However, he is also injury-prone, with 11 missed games on his resumé over the last two seasons.
He also happens to be on the last year of his contract, which he will play at the age of 32 years old. If Allen suffers any sort of significant injury in 2024, which is reasonably likely given his history, a career-making opportunity for Scott may open up.
