Like most organizations, the Bears look for their No. 1 and No. 2 draft choices to be starters sooner rather than later. That may not happen for second-round wide receiver Alshon Jeffery.
Jeffery isnt the problem and few expect the South Carolina wideout to flop like some Bears busts at No. 2 (Dan Bazuin, Mark Bradley, John Allred, Russell Davis, Pat Riley, Marcus Spears -- all since 1994).
But Brandon Marshall, the starter at one outside spot, is far from conceding the other spot to the rookie.
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Thats Devin Hesters job, Marshall said during a visit with children at UCAN Academy in Chicago on Tuesday. Alshons working hard right now and you never know what can happen in this game. But what Devin has, its really hard for anybody to come in and take that.
So to say Alshons going to come in and be a starter, thats a longshot. Now, we expect him to help us out, make plays and be a big part of our offense and help our team.
Jeffery is expected to be a major contributor but Marshall isnt the only incumbent the rookie will have to step past.
Despite an assortment of minor injuries that cut deeply into his playing time last season, Hester has caught 174 passes over the past four seasons, more than any Bear other than Matt Forte.
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Earl Bennett has caught 124 over the last three years, and he was given a four-year contract extension after missing nearly six full games last year.
We have a great group, Marshall said. "Jeffery is going to have to work really hard to establish himself not only on this team, but also in the NFL. He has the talent and the smarts but we have a great group of guys and Im really excited about our receivers meeting room.