Bears’ offseason investments at WR could actually help Tyler Scott

The 2023 campaign was a rollercoaster for rookie fourth-round wide receiver Tyler Scott. The No. 134 overall selection in the NFL draft was immediately cast into a starring role. Scott was the Bears’ third-most snapped receiver, trailing just D.J. Moore and Darnell Mooney. He was on the field for 439 offensive snaps, which accounted for 38.58% of all Bears offensive plays, according to Pro Football Reference.

Understandably, Scott struggled. The former Cincinnati standout totaled just 17 receptions for 168 receiving yards as a rookie. His standout performance came against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4 when he recorded three catches for 49 yards.

In fairness, the Bears’ entire passing game struggled throughout 2023. Justin Fields and Scott never seemed to be on the same page, which is partially why Scott hauled in just 17 of 31 targets. Pro Football Focus credited Scott with a lackluster 53.2 receiving grade. Bears quarterbacks had a passer rating of just 56.9 when targeting him.

Building chemistry pic.twitter.com/6Z8829jgpr

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 14, 2024

Things have changed significantly for Scott and the Bears’ passing attack this offseason. Caleb Williams is the new franchise quarterback. Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen have joined the wide receiver room, relegating Scott to WR4 duties at best. It could be a terrific development for his growth.

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Scott played the majority of his snaps on the boundary (340) last season out of necessity, but he also played 84 reps in his more natural slot position. Odunze and Allen will eat into a significant chunk of Scott’s boundary workload from last season, and Allen will obviously be the starting slot receiver in 11 personnel. It offers Scott an opportunity to learn from Allen, an all-time great at the position.

In recent campaigns, the Bears asked rookies and sophomores to play significant snaps before they were legitimately ready. The impending 2024 campaign appears primed to change that at several spots across a now-improved roster. Scott will benefit greatly from doing some behind-the-scenes development while watching Allen.