The Best Players to Stash in Fantasy Football From the NFC North
Marquess Wilson, WR, Chicago Bears
The Player
Chicago is a bit of a closed roster with well known and locked in starters and identifiable handcuffs with average talent. So of the teams we are profiling, finding an under-the-radar player to discuss is a tad difficult.
Still, the buzz has once again been building this offseason for the 6’4, 195-pound Marquess Wilson, a player with a ton of talent, but now in major competition with top draft pick Kevin White. Whoever wins could start opposite of Alshon Jeffery.
Wilson had great production and elite measurables at Washington State, but walked out on the team after complaints regarding the way head coach Mike Leach treated players. Maturity issues caused him to drop in the draft despite his talent, but he's a guy who has the athletic profile to be a productive, if not explosive weapon in this offense.
Based on his combine measureables, here are the players he most closely resembles:
| Name | Hght | Wght | 40 yd | Vert | Broad | 3Cone |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Hunter | 6' 4" | 196 | 4.44 | 39½" | 136" | 7.19 |
| Chris Henry | 6' 4" | 197 | 4.5 | 36" | ||
| Sidney Rice | 6' 4" | 200 | 4.51 | 39½" | 119" | 7.09 |
| Jabar Gaffney | 6' 3" | 193 | 4.56 | 6.87 | ||
| Marquess Wilson | 6' 3" | 194 | 4.51 | 34½" | 122" | 6.65 |
While those aren't world beaters at the position, indications are that his weight is now up closer to 210 this offseason, which pushes him closer to talented players like Javon Walker, A.J. Green and Braylon Edwards.
Last year, however, was a mess for Wilson. After an offseason of hype, he broke his collarbone during training camp and wasn't activated until Week 11. By then, the Bears offense was beginning their free fall, and Wilson had lost weight and much needed practice time while recovering. He finished the season as one of the least efficient receivers in the NFL, and his 0.28 Reception NEP per target was dead last for all players at his position.
The Opportunity
So why even bring him up? Because this is still a young, talented player who has a decent rapport with Jay Cutler that rookie Kevin White doesn't, playing for a coach who values experienced players.
Wilson was running with the starters during OTAs and minicamp ahead of White, and reportedly impressed the coaches with his ability and work ethic. This may be his last chance to impress, and he certainly seems to be taking advantage of it.
New coach John Fox is known to keep rookies waiting their turn in favor of veterans who know what they're doing, so it should come as no surprise if Wilson begins the year as the starter alongside Alshon Jeffery. This is an Adam Gase offense that has supported three dominant weapons in Denver over the last few seasons, and you never know how position battles will shake out in the NFL.
While I won't be drafting Wilson ahead of White, it's certainly a battle I will be monitoring closely throughout camp and the preseason. Wilson has the type of talent to make waves if given the opportunity.
