Biggs: Bears eye big receiver in Boise State's Pettis

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Bears eye big receiver in Boise State's Pettis

March 15, 2011 12:45 PM

By Brad Biggs


The Chicago Bears apparently are going to be in the market for a bigger wide receiver.

They're kicking the tires on one Tuesday. An NFL source told the Tribune that offensive quality control coach Andrew Hayes-Stoker, who assists with wide receivers coach Darryl Drake, is putting Boise State's Austin Pettis through a private workout Tuesday.

Pettis is Boise State's all-time leading receiver with 229 receptions and 39 touchdowns and is considered a dependable target.

He made 71 catches for 951 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season when the Broncos contended for a BCS bowl berth.

Photo: Boise State receiver Austin Pettis during a break at the NFL scouting combine. (US Presswire)
At a shade over 6-2 and 209 pounds, Pettis is a bigger option than the experienced receivers the Bears have on their roster. Andy Fantuz is another big frame receiver that was signed to a reserve/futures contract after a career in the CFL.

Pettis ran well at the NFL scouting combine, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.56 seconds, and he's known for good hands and body control. He's not going to be a playmaker down the field and that is typically what coordinator Mike Martz seeks.

Most project Pettis to be a mid-round prospect, which might be the point in the draft when the Bears get around to looking at the position after addressing needs on both lines and possibly at cornerback.