Interesting Note on Earl Bennett

[emperorjones]

From Chicagobears.com reader question:

How many wide receivers were drafted ahead of Earl Bennett in 2008, and how many of those players had more catches last season?

Evan H.
Chicago

With 54 receptions for 717 yards last season, Earl Bennett posted better numbers than nine of the 10 wide receivers selected before him in the 2008 NFL Draft. The only player who topped Bennett was the Eagles’ DeSean Jackson, who caught 62 passes for 1,156 yards. It was an odd draft in 2008 with 10 receivers selected in the second round after none went in the first round. Bennett was chosen in the third round (70th overall). The nine players he outperformed last season who were picked ahead of him were the Rams’ Donnie Avery (47 receptions for 589 yards), the Redskins’ Devin Thomas (25-325), the Packers’ Jordy Nelson (22-320), the Bills’ James Hardy (1-9), the Broncos’ Eddie Royal (37-345), the Bengals’ Jerome Simpson (0-0), the Redskins’ Malcolm Kelly (25-347-0), the Steelers’ Limas Sweed (1-5) and Dexter Jackson, who was released by the Buccaneers before the season.

Its a good note and a good rebound for a guy who was called dumb and a bust after his blown rookie year. Very interested to see Bennett, Aromoshadukipants, Knox & Hester in this new "no wide receiver screen for the first time in 8 years" offense.

[WAYSA]

I'd take Avery, Royal, Jackson, and Devin Thomas over him.

[Chewie]

Now that we've figured out that Aroma is legit, I tend to think Bennett will be relegated to #4 status.

The fact that he had better #s than some of the guys drafted in front of him just speaks more to what a bad WR class it was.

[DJhitek]

I'd take Avery, Royal, Jackson, and Devin Thomas over him.

Avery isn't very good or consistent, neither is Thomas. I'd take Jackson and Royal over him though.

[Friend_Of_Haley]

Now that we've figured out that Aroma is legit, I tend to think Bennett will be relegated to #4 status.

The fact that he had better #s than some of the guys drafted in front of him just speaks more to what a bad WR class it was.

I don't think #4 status for the Bears is as bad as it seems though. I mean, its not like the difference between our #1 and #4 is that different, and Martz should be airing it out.