A few things to add here.
1) I hope Gabriel's snap counts are limited. I see him as a max 50% player with diminishing returns beyond that.
2) I think Cohen will be the most interesting player to see how they incorporate him. He could be very interesting in a matchup role. IMO, if they don't get him enough carries though, it would be much easier to defend him.
3) I was in the minority last year that rewatched the tape (preseason and the one game) and didn't have a huge issue with Kevin White's straight line speed. I thought his main issue was with his ability to make quick breaks and run solid routes.
4) I do think the Bears probably will draft a WR somewhere outside of round one, and given the recent history of WR production, that will be more of a long term play than a short term play. (Probably shouldn't be counted on Y1)
1) yeah, honestly I can see it that in a base 2 TE set, Gabriel gets the majorite of snaps across Robinson, with healthy White and a 2nd round rookie dividing up the rest. The thing about Gabriel is he has the speed to take the tops off defenses, which is key to keep safeties back, opening up the short and intermediate routes for easier YAC receptions. So whoever we draft needs to have similar speed.
2) I cannot wait to see Cohen split out in bunch formations. This offense is going to be dynamic, so he'll have a multi faceted role where the play isn't telegraphed. It's going to elbe exciting to watch.
3) yeah White needs to work on his cuts, that's going to get him open on intermediate routes. That comes with good practice which we all know he was missing. I'm rooting for his success but not counting too hard on it.
4) yeah I think we are all hoping for that!
Sure, but rookie receivers are risky bets. Last year 32 receivers were drafted and 4 managed 40+ catches. So the odds aren't great.
That's not so bad. If we are using the Chief's production from last year as our measuring stick, only 2 WRs, a RB and TE had more than 40. We just need a rookie with the dynamic athletic traits to threaten the big play, who can chip in 20 catches, and he'll be considered a success to me