Did Braverman Do Enough?............

[Deleted]

Did rookie WR Daniel Braverman do enough to make the Bears' final roster?
Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL,
By: Bryan Perez | 2 hours ago

The early star of the Chicago Bears’ 2016 training camp was rookie receiver Daniel Braverman, who after the first two weeks of practices was consistently making plays and turning heads. He earned the praise of his teammates and coach John Fox and whispers about his potential to steal the starting slot position away from veteran Eddie Royal began.

His underwhelming preseason performances now have his roster spot very much in jeopardy.

Braverman played the second-most snaps of all Bears’ receivers but has only managed six receptions for 40 yards through four games. Of those 40 yards, only 13 have come after the catch, a stat that is shockingly low considering his shifty skill set and projection as a slot receiver who will do his most damage with the ball in his hands.

The rookie from Western Michigan has been outplayed — by a wide margin — by Cameron Meredith and Josh Bellamy, but neither receiver spent as much time in the slot as Braverman during the preseason. The rookie lined up as the inside target nearly 80-percent of his time on the field.

Royal’s role with the Bears appeared to be on shaky ground after a concussion kept him out of the better part of two weeks of practice and the entire preseason. However, Braverman has failed to produce like a player worthy of being kept over the established veteran.

In fact, Braverman’s brutal mistake in the return game against the Browns — where he misjudged a punt that resulted in a major shift in field position — may have put him behind the eight ball. If he cannot bring reliable special teams play to the field, the options ahead of him at wide receiver are simply better for the final 53-man roster.

The combination of Royal and Marc Mariani looks like the most likely duo to start the year as the first and second-team slot receivers for the Bears.

Braverman would make an ideal practice squad candidate. It’s unlikely another team would look to sign him after his unproductive preseason, and if Chicago suffers an injury or sub-par play in the slot or in the return game, he’d be one phone call away from promotion.

[Deleted]

QUOTE; "Braverman would make an ideal practice squad candidate. It’s unlikely another team would look to sign him after his unproductive preseason."

While I agree with the first statement I don't agree with the second.  I believe he would be a target if put on waivers.

Regardless of what he has or hasn't done in the preseason IMHO he showed enough in camp to turn some heads and prove that he can play with the big boys.  It's really not about what he is now.  It's more about what he could become and he has a mission to succeed in the NFL firmly implanted in his head.  This kid is motivated.

Come hell or high water this will be Royal's last season with the Bears if he even makes it through all 16 games. Mariani is on a one year deal so he'll either have to be re-signed next year or we lose him too.  He'll also be 30 years old next May.  If we're into developing younger talent at every position I don't know how we can overlook the need to develop a younger slot receiver too.

Guys like Bellamy and Meredith can help on the outside but they aren't typical slot guys and to use them as such just puts us back where we were before we signed Royal and Mariani popped up last year as another clutch slot guy.  If Pace and Fox see his upside they should keep him safe.

[Deleted]

We've discussed this already but I'll reiterate it: I don't think he's done enough to earn a spot on the team.

In training camp Braverman was the story - the underdog, blue collar, jugs catching machine with the circus catches on the practice field. To me, that's hype for blue collar Bears fan. Reporters emphasized his play because it sells.

Coaches need to evaluate a player on more than offseason Twitter hits, they need to make decisions about who provides the most value. Braverman does not.

Braverman, as the article points out, looks uncomfortable fielding punts, average in route running, decent in hands but ultimely didn't do enough to get targetted and do enough when targetted and when opportunity presented itself.

Bellamy and Meredith made their presence known early and often this preseason AND they've met the challenge - the transition between PS and RS.

While Braverman is fun to root for and while we want to speculate on his future potential, he didn't convince me. His potential is not a certainty despite the snake oil salesman who say he's the next Julian Edelman (why because he's white?). Cameron Metedith could have a lot of potential. BJ Daniels could. Every young player on the roster COULD but this is t a business of could it's a competition where the best stick and where the PS team is a gamble.

Based on the limited amount of PS film ice seen, articles I've read and logical thinking I've done, my WRs are
White
Royal
Jeffery
Bellamy
Meredith
Mariani
(And possibly Deonte Thompson as a KR/PR WR)

[brasilbear]

If I were Pace I'd drop Royal and keep Braverman on the roster. Let him learn on the job as the 2nd slot receiver. He'll get 10ish snaps a game at first and won't have to return punts with Mariani around. Time to start taking chances with bottom of the roster talent.

[jj30]

I really can't believe that the Bears would consider keeping Royal over Braverman, don't get me wrong Royal has had a great career but I feel the key word is "had" Braverman has career ahead of him not behind him at least I hope.

[JABF]

Sept 2, 2016 13:47:17 GMT -6 @belliot said:

Braverman, as the article points out, looks uncomfortable fielding punts, average in route running, decent in hands but ultimately didn't do enough to get targeted and do enough when targeted and when opportunity presented itself.

Bellamy and Meredith made their presence known early and often this preseason AND they've met the challenge - the transition between PS and RS.

That's how I see it too ^^^^^

[dachuckster]

Sept 2, 2016 14:04:13 GMT -6 jj30 said:

I really can't believe that the Bears would consider keeping Royal over Braverman, don't get me wrong Royal has had a great career but I feel the key word is "had" Braverman has career ahead of him not behind him at least I hope.

Well said!  

IMO the Bears need to focus on who will be or will likely be contributors in 2017, 2018 and beyond.  While I do not want to write off the 2016 season,  think the development of these eventual starters or significant contributors needs to be our priority.

I don't have the skill or the training to do pro personnel evaluation or development.  But if guys like Meredith and Braverman are likely our future, let's go with them.

[mpbears68]

We will find out soon enough who of us is right and who is wrong.

My vote is to cut Braverman and that he will make it to the PS.

[Deleted]

Sept 2, 2016 16:13:19 GMT -6 mpbears68 said:

We will find out soon enough who of us is right and who is wrong.

My vote is to cut Braverman and that he will make it to the PS.

I also think this is the way it will go, so sorry mp, you must be wrong.

[mpbears68]

Sept 2, 2016 16:14:55 GMT -6 @bearsinhouston said:

Sept 2, 2016 16:13:19 GMT -6 mpbears68 said:

We will find out soon enough who of us is right and who is wrong.

My vote is to cut Braverman and that he will make it to the PS.

I also think this is the way it will go, so sorry mp, you must be wrong.

Don't get me wrong, I do want to keep Braverman around for the future and I think he's got a shot to be something.  I was stoked when we drafted him as he was one of those dark horse sleeper guys I read about and it's hard not to root for the guy.  But Meredith has outplayed him in PS and the other reserves have ST ability which Braverman clearly doesn't yet.