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One of the biggest breakout stars in fantasy football last year was WR Alshon Jeffery. After failing to make much of an impact his rookie season, Jeffery burst onto the scene in 2013 with over 1,400 receiving yards and seven TDs. Marquess Wilson is another WR for the Chicago Bears who could potentially play a big role in 2014.
The Bears drafted Wilson in the seventh round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Much like Jeffery, Wilson failed to make much of an impact his rookie season last year, catching only two passes for 13 yards. However, Wilson is following the same formula as Jeffery prior to his breakout season in 2013.
While Jeffery’s hands are about an inch larger than Wilson’s, both WRs run 4.5-second 40-yard dash. Both Jeffery and Wilson are 6-foot-3, though Jeffery is about 20 pounds heavier than Wilson. But prior to 2013, Jeffery was similarly lanky and not as well built until he trained with Pro Bowl WR Brandon Marshall in the offseason.
Wilson has reportedly joined Marshall and Jeffery in offseason workouts this year and has bulked up quite a bit. Marshall’s workout seems to have been a formula for success, and Wilson has the frame to follow in Jeffery’s footsteps.
The Bears fielded the second-highest scoring offense in the league last year during head coach Marc Trestman’s first year with the team. The offense relies on big-bodied receivers, as Marshall, Jeffery, Wilson, TE Martellus Bennett and RB Matt Forte are all giants ranging from 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-6.
Marshall and Jeffery are one of the best WR duos in the league, combining for over 2,700 receiving yards and 19 TDs last year. There is little to no chance that Wilson will usurp either WR on the depth chart, but Wilson has a great chance to win the No. 3 WR position in Chicago.
As a Bears fan, I’m hoping that both Marshall and Jeffery will stay healthy all season (and hopefully all postseason). However, if either of the two were to miss any time, Wilson could have a big opportunity to shine.
Wilson has the physical talents to become a high-scoring fantasy WR if he gets to see the field more often this coming season. As of now, he should only be drafted in deeper leagues or in dynasty formats. However, if you draft Marshall or Jeffery in 2014, consider using a late-round draft pick on Wilson as a WR handcuff with high upside.
Meng Song is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ms0ng, “like” him on Facebook or add him to your Google+ network.
