Every year, there are a handful of receivers that land in the right situation and put up unexpectedly-enormous numbers. This year, there might be a hidden gem in Chicago.
With Mike Martz bringing his up-tempo, happy-chucking offense to the Windy City and the arm of Jay Cutler, the 2010 Bears could be a more wide open offense than the teams that featured Gale Sayers, Walter Payton and Neal Anderson. One of the players to watch in Martz's system this year is Devin Aromashodu, who burst onto the scene late last year and could be a candidate for a breakout season.
Devin Aromashodu – WR – Chicago Bears
ADP: 87th – 32nd WR Selected
- Last year, he played in just ten games but really blew up in the final four, when Cutler started to look at him consistently. For the season, Aromashodu was a first down machine; 16 of his 24 receptions resulted in the chains moving, while four others were in the end zone. Oddly enough, despite his limited action, Aromashodu's four touchdowns ended up ranking third on the Bears last year, second behind only rookie Johnny Knox among Chicago's receivers (TE Greg Olsen was first with eight).
- He also has the ability to get deep. His longest reception last year was 39 yards, but he had four catches of over 20 yards (or one in six of his receptions). He averaged 12.4 yards per catch last year, which ranked third on the Bears behind Devin Hester and Earl Bennett, both of whom averaged 13.3 yards per catch.
- Listed at 6'2 and 201 pounds, Aromashodu is one of the bigger receivers on the Bears depth chart and is expected to see a lot more action in the more open Martz system this season.
Summary: While Chicago's offensive line and Cutler's interceptions are still a concern, fantasy owners should view Aromashodu as a potential WR2 option and possibly as the top receiver on the Bears roster heading into 2010.With an ADP of 87th it's obvious early drafters understand Aromashodu's value. However, taking a guy with four good games in his career at the 87th overall pick might be a reach; remember, we haven't seen the Bears perform Martz's offense in a game yet, and we haven't seen Aromashodu play 16 games, either.
Bottom line is Aromashodu is a great sleeper with huge potential in the "high risk-high reward"category.
