5 players Bears should draft in the first round

2. Rashod Bateman

If the Bears want to use the 20th pick to replace Robinson on the outside then Bateman should be their selection. He isn’t being mentioned at the top of this year’s receiver class, but there’s a reasonable argument to be made that he’s one of Round 1’s biggest sleepers.

The former Minnesota star doesn’t have track star speed, but he’s got everything else required to become a star at the next level. Bateman’s knack for getting his body in position to shield opposing defenders helps make his elite hands really pop on film. Combine that with his excellent ability to run crips routes and it’s easy to understand how he’s able to generate so much separation on his routes.

Bateman’s just the sort of wide receiver who can help elevate the play of whomever Chicago deploys under center next season. He should be able to step in and be an immediate starter for the Bears. He’s not going to make everyone forget about Robinson right away, but he’s got the potential to grow into that kind of star in time.

Bateman projects to still be on the board at No. 20 right now, but the Bears might face a nervous wait to see if he’ll fall that far on Draft Day. He represents the best possible wideout they can land without a trade.