With Brandon Marshall shipped to the New York Jets this offseason, the role of the Chicago Bears' No. 1 wide receiver falls on the shoulders of Alshon Jeffery.
"I don't see why (Jeffery can't be the No. 1)," quarterback Jay Cutler said Tuesday, per ESPN.com. "He makes big plays for us, he knows the offense, he's a big target, and I think more importantly that's the guy he wants to become. He wants to become the No. 1 everyday out here, and he's taking the proper steps."
The former second-round pick -- entering the final year of his rookie contract -- led the Bears in receiving yards the past two seasons, finishing with 1,421 yards and 1,133 yards, respectively.
Jeffery pulled No. 1 duty last season when Marshall missed time late in the year due to injury and still put up stellar numbers. His ability to high-point the ball and snatch it away from defenders has always been a No. 1 receiver trait.
This season Jeffery rules the roost and will line up alongside rookie Kevin White -- who missed Tuesday's minicamp session due to an undisclosed injury -- newly signed Eddie Royal and incumbent hype bunny Marquess Wilson in a remade Bears receiver corps.
"Yeah, it's a little shorter group, but it's good guys," Cutler said, pointing out that Marshall has an inch or two on Jeffery. "Alshon, I think he's having a heck of a camp, Eddie is solid every day and I think Wilson is back on track to where he was last training camp, progressing every day and making big plays for us. We're confident with this group. We're kind of feeling out who four and five will be, Kevin is doing a good job for us, picking up the offense, he's got a bright future in front of him as well."
We like White's ability to play all over the field and he could fill Marshall's production while Jeffery pulls a ton of attention on deep and red-zone targets.
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