Earl Bennett - Why You Should Care
by Paul Eide
Fantasy Football Director
6/27/09


The jump between being a wide receiver in college to a wide receiver in the pros is thought by many to be the most difficult transition of any position. And as any Bears fan will tell you it was especially rough for Bennett, if they even know who he is.

Bennett was taken in the third round of last year’s draft and did not record a single reception during his rookie year. Luckily for him, second round pick Matt Forte had one of the most productive seasons in Bears history so the lack of production went largely unnoticed. But with the Bears noticeably thin at the receiver position Bennett will have to make an impact this year.

So, here is why you should care and at least consider Earl Bennett a potential breakout fantasy sleeper:

- He has been reunited with Jay Cutler. Though they were teammates for only one year it was Cutler’s most productive year at Vanderbilt, as he set college highs in yards (3,073), TD’s (21) and completions.

- He is the all time leading receiver in SEC history and did it in just three years. He was All SEC each year in college.

- Devin Hester has now had a year under his belt at wide receiver which not only helps the Bears offense as a whole, but Bennett who is slated to be the starter alongside Hester. If nothing else, Hester proved he is a deep threat who commands attention over the top, which is the perfect complement to Earl Bennett’s over the middle, ball control style.

-The Bears have no depth at wide out after being unable to broker deals for Anquan Boldin or Plaxico Burress. Bennett will have his chance to capitalize.

- Bears OC Ron Turner can finally open up the offense and attack opposing defenses vertically, something he couldn’t do consistently with Kyle Orton or Rex Grossman due to both QB’s lacking arm strength. Cutler can make all the throws.

The preseason will be the deal breaker in terms of Bennett’s ultimate fantasy value, but he has the potential to be as productive as Broncos receiver Eddie Royal in his rookie season a year ago. Consider taking a late round flier on Bennett.