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The Chicago Bears had one of the most productive wide receiver duos in the NFL in 2013, as Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery combined for 189 receptions, 2,716 yards and 19 touchdowns. So rookie Marquess Wilson was not counted on to make a big impact, and he had just two catches in 10 games played as the team’s No. 4 wide receiver.
The Bears are expected to release Earl Bennett soon after he reportedly refused to take a pay cut, which would put Wilson in line to take his place as Chicago’s No. 3 wide receiver next season. Should fantasy football owners have the Washington State product on their radar?
Wilson entered the 2013 draft with significant red flags after he was suspended and then quit football with three games to go in the 2012 season, which led to him nearly going undrafted until the Bears took him with the 236th pick. He had 82 receptions for 1,388 yards (seventh in the country) and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2011, so he seems to have the talent to succeed in the NFL if given the chance.
2014 is the final year of Marshall’s contract with the Bears, and a changing of the guard may come after that with Jeffery taking his place as the No. 1 wide receiver and someone else being given a chance to earn a starting job. Wilson can put himself into the conversation for a prominent role next season with a strong offseason, and that would set the stage for him to take an even bigger role in 2015 if Marshall is not back.
Wilson is roster-worthy in deep dynasty leagues right now, if only to keep him stashed in anticipation of bigger things down the road. I don’t see him being a great option in 2014 on a week-to-week basis, but I can see Wilson becoming a potential waiver wire addition in the middle of the season if a significant role materializes or an injury sidelines Marshall or Jeffery.
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24 or connect on Google +
