Rich Campbell at the Chicago Tribune comments upon the release of number three wide receiver Earl Bennett:
“[Marquess] Wilson, a seventh-round pick out of Washington St., is positioned to compete with newly-signed Domenik Hixon for the No. 3 receiver spot. Wilson had two catches for 10 yards as a rookie.
“The Bears consider him a natural catcher and smooth runner. They like how he can beat press coverage with quickness and decisiveness.”
My gut tells me that the Bears won’t go into camp depending upon either Wilson or Hixon to do the job. Wilson is unproven and Hixon hasn’t really shown himself to be in a class that deserves to be on the field that often. I’d look for them to find at least a third, potentially better option.
One possibility is to find another receiver in what is thought to be a draft which is deep on talent. The Bears will — and should — concentrate on drafting defense. But if the right guys falls, another wide receiver is a very real possibility in either day two or three. In the same way, a second tight end is also an option that I’m sure they’ll consider.