Here’s where N’Keal Harry can immediately help the Chicago Bears in 2022

The Chicago Bears’ trade for former 2019 first-round pick N’Keal Harry wasn’t enough to fix their questionable wide receiver situation. Still, it at least added another talented player to a position group plagued by more questions than answers.

One thing that’s certain is that the Bears’ running game — yes, the running game — got better after the trade.

The Highest Graded Run Blocking Wide Receivers During the 2021 NFL Season

1?? Byron Pringle: 89.6
2?? N’Keal Harry: 89.5

With the Bears Shifting the Focus to the Run Game. This is No Surprise.

— The Irish Bears Show (@IrishBearsShow) July 12, 2022

Harry’s ability as a run blocker will give him an advantage over players like Equanimeous St. Brown on the depth chart. The Chicago Bears will lean heavily on running backs David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert in 2022. And with quarterback Justin Fields’ ability as a runner, having receivers like Harry blocking downfield will help the offense unlock its ground attack.

CHICAGOOOO LET’S GET TO IT pic.twitter.com/ZZzNkPNN6R

— Keal (@NkealHarry15) July 13, 2022

N’Keal Harry needs to be more than just a run blocker

The Chicago Bears didn’t trade for Harry just to have him block. He has to prove he can impact the passing game too. To do that, he’ll have to create more separation as a route-runner. It was an issue that plagued him at Arizona State, but his ability to physically dominate collegiate defensive backs made up for his lack of twitchy athleticism. That hasn’t been the case in the NFL so far. Harry wasn’t effective in the New England Patriots system and will have to prove quickly that his physical and athletic traits are more of a match for offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s plan.

N’Keal Harry’s best season came in 2020 when he totaled 33 catches for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Now three years into his career, it’s fair to say he’s been a bust as a first-round pick.

Sometimes, a change of scenery is all that’s needed for players like Harry to realize their pre-draft potential. And while no one is expecting Harry to suddenly become a 1,300-yard, 10-touchdown receiver, he has a chance to set career-highs in every major receiving category in his first year with the Bears. Let’s face it: he doesn’t need much production to do it.

We live in a fantasy football era. Players are judged by stats, and in many ways, that’s fair. But football goes beyond the box score. If N’Keal Harry becomes a valuable asset in the running game while contributing his share of first downs and red zone plays along the way, the Chicago Bears will be big winners from the trade.