Kiper on Bears WR options

[Chewie]

Mel Kiper: Chicago Bears can't pass on Florida receiver Percy Harvin
By Vaughn McClure

We are exactly one month away from the NFL draft, meaning the draft experts will be in full swing from here on out.

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. addressed the media via conference call on Wednesday. And although Kiper has the Bears selecting Maryland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in his latest mock draft, there's another receiver Kiper believes the Bears shouldn't pass up with the 18th overall pick: Percy Harvin.

``They like Florida players [in Chicago]. Harvin is a game-changer,'' Kiper said. ``He's an explosive player. He's got great versatility. If he were there at No. 18, you take Harvin over Heyward-Bey. I would.''

Many would say Harvin is too similar to Devin Hester. Kiper believes that's no cause for concern.

``If you look at Hester, Hester came out as an offense, defense, return man,'' Kiper said. ``Harvin's a Reggie Bush-type of player: Reggie Bush with the Saints, not USC, because he can be a receiver, your slot guy, a return man, a running back in some cases.

``[Harvin's] one of those guys in clutch time, they want the ball. They want to take the tough shot. ... If Harvin doesn't play in the [national championship] game, Oklahoma wins. Harvin is a difference-maker. To get him at No. 18, you don't even think about it.''

Kiper said Heyward-Bey is a risk because he is not a guaranteed No. 1 receiver and is a little raw. As for North Carolina's Hakeem Nicks, Kiper said Nicks' ballooning from 212 pounds to 226 is a concern but shouldn't keep the Bears from thinking about him in the first round.

Kiper doesn't see the Bears selecting Rutgers receiver Kenny Britt in the first round although Britt has a private workout with the Bears on Thursday.

``Britt? Borderline late-first, early-second,'' Kiper said. ``I think, personally, No. 18 would be a little high for him. Not too high for Nicks.''

The Bears have the 17th pick of the second round, and Britt figures to be gone by then.

I respect Kiper's opinion but I still say you find someone that compliments Hester better than Harvin. Nobody says we have to stay at #18 - you move down if you have to in order to get the guy you want without reaching.

[emperorjones]

Mel Kiper: Chicago Bears can't pass on Florida receiver Percy Harvin
By Vaughn McClure

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. addressed the media via conference call on Wednesday. And although Kiper has the Bears selecting Maryland receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey in his latest mock draft, there's another receiver Kiper believes the Bears shouldn't pass up with the 18th overall pick: Percy Harvin.

Man. Mel's got Juice. Mel Kiper Jr. addressed the media? Kiper is PART of the media. That's like a group of students going to office hours held by another student asking him what HE thinks the teacher thinks.

[Chi Dynasty12]

I agree with Kiper's assessment of Harvin being a game-changer, and even if he's similar to Hester he's still another offensive weapon. I previously took the side that Harvin would not be a good compliment for Hester, but after watching his film and his strong pro-day you can't deny he would lift our offense, whether it be at receiver or out of the backfield changing pace with Forte.

[Chewie]

I think Kiper speaks for himself, not the Bears.

I'd be really surprised if Harvin was the guy even if he's there at #18.

[NoSkyy]

I personally love Harvin but I would only advocate taking him if we manage to get another tall, possession type receiver also.

The statistic that scares me most about Harvin is that he barely catches any passes further than 35 yards down field(I think, I don't remember where I saw this, if anyone finds the article, I will love them forever) which kind of limits his threat as a down field target, but no means takes away from him as a runner.

[Cliff Levingston]

He makes some nice points there. Remember, we're also said to be interested in a change of pace running back to complement Forte and Harvin would be it as well.

Cliff Levingston would agree that finding a true #1 big receiver to complement Hester would be better, but if the Bears don't feel like Heyward-Bey or Nicks are that guy the it might make sense to go for Harvin to use out of the back field and in the slot a la Reggie Bush.

If we do decide to go that route, it'd be nice to trade down in the first a little to get Harvin then be able to move up higher in the 2nd to be able to grab a good tackle or even Louis Delmas is he slips.

[WAYSA]

I personally love Harvin but I would only advocate taking him if we manage to get another tall, possession type receiver also.

The statistic that scares me most about Harvin is that he barely catches any passes further than 35 yards down field(I think, I don't remember where I saw this, if anyone finds the article, I will love them forever) which kind of limits his threat as a down field target, but no means takes away from him as a runner.

It's not like Kyle Orton can hit a pass over 30 yards anyway.

Percy Harvin is God!