Chicago Bears: Another UDFA Gem at WR For Ryan Pace?

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has his share of critics, but it’s becoming clear he has a certain eye for talent and a knack for finding hidden gems.

Nowhere is that clearer than at the wide receiver position. Already one of his best finds in Cameron Meredith appears poised for a huge year after posting 888 yards in 2016. That’s remarkable considering he was an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State who didn’t even play all of college at the position. He started out as a quarterback.

Finding one productive player on the undrafted market for a position is good stuff for a GM. Don’t look now though but it’s possible that Pace may have done it again. At least that’s the growing belief at Bears training camp. It’s there that a little known young man out of Wyoming named Tanner Gentry continues to wow the fans with his ability.

Most initially viewed Gentry as a camp body who might end up being another Daniel Braverman. An underdog receiver who makes his share of fun plays in practice but completely disappears when games start. Over time those fears have withered away. It’s becoming clearer that Gentry is different. For one he’s bigger than Braverman at 6’2″ with a stronger pair of hands. He rarely, if ever, drops the football.

It’s for that reason that quarterbacks continue to look his way in practice. Once the ball is in the air, he acts like it’s his. Nobody else can have it. That speaks to a young man who is confident in himself. It’s not hard to see why. Gentry was a star during his final year at Wyoming with over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was responsible for a majority of the productivity for their passing offense. One receiver.

This would be a timely godsend for the Bears. They just lost Alshon Jeffery to free agency and Kevin White remains a wild card at best. Somebody has to step up to help Meredith. Gentry is well on his way to getting that opportunity.