Bears May Secure a Valuable Draft Gem in a Rising Wide Receiver Turning Heads at the Shrine Bowl.

Jacob Infante, a draft analyst from Windy City Gridiron, reported on January 27 that scouts at the Shrine Bowl have been impressed with Malik Washington's performance. He described Washington as a dynamic athlete and a twitchy route runner who competes fiercely, suggesting that Chicago could target him in the third or fourth round of the draft.

In addition to holding the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks in the upcoming draft, the Chicago Bears currently possess a third-round pick (No. 75) and two fourth-round picks, which will be finalized once compensatory picks are determined.

Malik Washington, despite his smaller stature at 5'8" and 194 pounds, has been making waves with his remarkable speed and agility during Shrine Bowl practices. Washington previously played four years at Northwestern before transferring to Virginia after the 2022 season. In 2023, he had a breakout year with the Cavaliers, recording 110 receptions for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games.

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid praised Washington for his fluidity, suddenness, and reliable hands. Khari Thompson from WCG also commended Washington's performance in one-on-one drills, noting his fearlessness in mixing it up during routes. Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema highlighted the depth of talent among wide receivers in this draft class and suggested that both Malik Washington and Tahj Washington could be potential draft steals.

Washington's slot performance at Virginia was particularly impressive, with over 1,000 receiving yards coming from that position, ranking first in the nation. He also led the nation in forced missed tackles from the slot with 35.

The Chicago Bears have a need for a playmaking wide receiver in the slot, especially with Darnell Mooney heading towards free agency. Mooney's production has declined in recent seasons, making Washington a valuable prospect to consider. While DJ Moore serves as the WR1 for the Bears, Washington could potentially offer big-play ability as a WR3 with significant upside. If he's available when the Bears pick in the third or fourth rounds, he could be a prime target for Chicago.