6 years agoChicago Bears wide receiver Taylor Gabriel is looking to make a positive impression on his new team after a down year in 2017 with the Falcons. The 27-year-old speedster signed a four-year deal with the Bears in the offseason for $14 million guaranteed to provide a speed element from the slot receiver position. The former undrafted receiver became a huge factor in the Falcons run to the Super Bowl in 2016, totaling 35 receptions for 579 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 44.5 receiving yards a game that season, including three catches for 76 yards in the Super Bowl against the Patriots. 2017 was a different story for Gabriel. The Falcons changed offensive coordinators while Gabriel struggled with foot issues and fitting into the new offensive scheme. After a productive Week 3 performance against the Lions, where he caught five passes for 75 yards with one touchdown, Gabriel's role severely shrank in the offense. He finished the season with only 33 catches for 378 yards and one touchdown. Not only did his touchdown totals take a serious hit but he went from eight catches of 20-plus yards in 2016 to only four last season. Gabriel now steps into a new situation, a new quarterback, a new head coach in Matt Nagy and an entirely new offensive system. He will be tasked with stretching the field from the slot position and making plays with the ball in his hands off of short, quick throws. It is unclear at this time who will emerge as quarterback Mitch Trubisky's favorite target but the Bears did not give Gabriel $14 million to sit on the bench. It is highly unlikely Gabriel will see the quantity of targets that will make him fantasy viable in PPR-leagues but could become a short-term, matchup-based option as a player that can score from anywhere on the field. A strong season from Gabriel would include 35-50 catches, 500-700 yards and four-to-six touchdowns for a Bears team hoping to be a club on the rise in 2018.--Joey C - RotoBaller
Source: Chicago Bears