The Chicago Bears' receiving corps appears to be just missing the 7-foot center for their offseason intramural basketball team.
In 2013, coach Marc Trestman's quarterback combo of Jay Cutler and Josh McCown benefitted from tossing the pigskin to 6-foot-4 Brandon Marshall, 6-foot-3 Alshon Jeffery and 6-foot-6 tight end Martellus Bennett.
This year, 6-foot-3 second-year receiver Marquess Wilson is expected to join the party.
According to ESPN Chicago's Michael C. Wright, unless Wilson "falters significantly in camp and in the preseason," the Bears' No. 3 wide receiver position is his to lose.
The 2013 seventh-round pick had just two receptions in 76 snaps during his rookie season. However, Wilson's height and ability to high-point the ball would give Cutler another security blanket with a large catching radius. As Wright notes, Wilson possesses the ability to threaten the seam up the middle -- much like a tight end -- opening up options for outside receivers.
Wilson was criticized coming out of college for his thin, lanky frame, but he has spent the offseason working out with Marshall -- the same blueprint Jeffery followed to blow up in his sophomore season.
Jeffery already is on the record saying that the "sky's the limit" for Wilson. If the second-year receiver is able to become even a good third wheel, the Bears will sport the longest, most athletic corps outside a basketball court.
As defensive coaches target bigger cornerbacks -- a la the Seattle Seahawks -- the Bears' group is upping the ante.Â
In the latest episode of the "Around The League Podcast," the guys discuss Rob Gronkowski's expected return to action and Cordarrelle Patterson's potential rise this season.
