Plainfield Native Gets Drafted by Chicago Bears

 

Photo credit: NJ.com 

Article Credit:  Matt Verderame from SB Nation

The Chicago Bears have drafted West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White with the seventh overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. White is one of the most prolific players in the draft and should provide a top-tier target on the outside. White starred for two years in Morgantown, W. Va., amassing 1,954 yards.

White is part of a terrific receiver class headed by himself and Amari Cooper of the Alabama Crimson Tide. White, who measures 6'2 and 215 pounds, is a blazing pass-catcher who caught 109 passes for 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2014 despite playing with just average quarterbacks.

The Plainfield, N.J., native was a thorn in the side of defenses all year, amassing at least 100 yards in each of his first seven games last season. In West Virginia's defeat in the Auto Zone Liberty Bowl, White caught seven passes for 129 yards and a touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies.

White's best asset is being able to beat defenses over the top and stretching the field on a consistent basis. This opens up chances to make big plays or, with the safeties having to account for his speed, more space for teammates to work underneath. White has a similar skill set to Cooper, although Cooper is the more polished route runner at this point.

At the NFL Combine in February, White ran a 4.35 40-yard dash and benched 225 pounds 23 times, the best marks in both categories for receivers this year. White also exhibited good hands and top-flight initial burst off the line, helping to improve his already solid draft stock.

The Bears had a big need at wide receiver. Alshon Jeffery led the team with 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, but behind him the next leading receiver on the team was Brandon Marshall with just 721 yards. Jay Cutler is getting a whole lot of money, so the Bears need to maximize his production. Getting White is the best way they can do that.

Congrats, Kevin! You make us proud. #PlainfieldStrong

-Assemblyman Jerry Green