Tyke Tolbert Explains How Impressive Tyler Scott Has Already Been

Tyke Tolbert has coached wide receiver for two decades. In that time, he has worked with several great players like Larry Fitzgerald, Eric Moulds, Steve Smith, Demaryius Thomas, and Emmanuel Sanders. He’s seen every version of the position and has a good idea of what the good ones look like. That would explain why he sounded so excited to have D.J. Moore on the field during early practices. However, it doesn’t stop there. Another player has caught his eye already. That is rookie Tyler Scott.

The Chicago Bears grabbed the receiver in the 4th round out of Cincinnati. It was a surprise to several experts. Many had expected he would be gone by the 3rd round at the latest. Most agreed GM Ryan Poles had gotten a potential steal for his team. Scott sounds in interviews like a player angry about the fall and eager to prove the other 31 teams wrong. Tolbert came away shocked by Scott in practices. It wasn’t his electric speed or even his surprising after-the-catch ability that stood out the most. It was his information processor. Tolbert explained on 1920 Football Drive.

Tyler Scott already understands the fundamental truth of football.

Speed alone won’t help him at this level. Everybody is fast in the NFL. What separates the good from the ordinary is what’s between the ears. The best players can think at a high level. It appears Scott has the necessary ability to learn quickly. His progress was hard to miss during OTAs and minicamps. Reports surfaced from time to time about how he earned more and more snaps with the first-team offense. He even enjoyed some positive moments against the starting defensive backs.

The Bears wide receiver room has suddenly become a competitive one. Moore is the unquestioned #1 guy. Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney are right behind him. However, the #4 spot appears to be up for grabs. Most already expected it to go to Velus Jones. That is no longer a certainty. Not if Tyler Scott carries his momentum last month into training camp next week. He obviously has the attention of the coaching staff. Now he must prove he can do it when practices get physical.