2021 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears select UNC WR Dazz Newsome

The former UNC Wide Reciever was selected by the Chicago Bears with 221st pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and will look to start his professional career with an immediate impact as a slot receiver.

Newsome is a former cornerback and has been viewed as a sleeper pick in this year’s draft. His yards after the catch ability paired with his quickness and agility will be a dangerous combination for the Bears.

The Bears  wide receiver depth is not the strongest, with Allen Robinson II on a franchise tag. The Bears relied heavily on him, Anthony Miller, and Darnell Mooney last season.

The big news for the Bears and Dazz Newsome is the drafting of Justin Fields who looks like the frontrunner for the QB job in Chicago, ahead of Andy Dalton who was signed this offseason. That makes for some excitement for Bears fans and Tar Heels fans alike, hoping for a dynamic connection between Newsome and Fields.

Dazz Newsome had a great 2020 season, but it was below his numbers from the 2019 campaign where he had 72 receptions for 1,108 yards and 10 touchdowns. Last season, he only had 54 receptions for 684 yards being overshadowed by the recently drafted Dyami Brown.

But Newsome shined bright in the Orange Bowl. While Dyami Brown, Michael Carter, and Javonte Williams all rested and trained for the draft, Newsome was WR1 for Sam Howell. He did not pass up the opportunity. Newsome broke out for 6 receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Texas A&M.

Dazz Newsome will join his former teammates: Chazz Surratt drafted by the Vikings, Javonte Williams drafted by the Broncos, Dyami Brown drafted by the Washington Football Team, and Michael Carter drafted by the Jets.

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