Four years ago, Earl Bennett(notes) was a wide-eyed 18-year-old freshman absorbing the newfound freedoms of college life at Vanderbilt. Unbeknownst at the time, the relationship he immediately forged on the gridiron with then senior Jay Cutler(notes) laid the foundation for his future professional career. 

The chemistry between a quarterback and his receiver is a human element often times overlooked by the stats-crazed masses. Impeccable timing, confidence and feel for one another are vital components an airborne tandem must possess to ensure crisp execution.

The "Bosom Buddy" bond between Bennett and Cutler is exactly that.

On display last week against the Giants (Highlights here), the old Vandy Dandy tandem has rekindled the partnership that once dominated the nightmares of SEC defensive coordinators. In just over one quarter of play, the pair hooked up two times for 47 yards, including an impressive 27-yard strike on the fourth play of the game. In total, Bennett was targeted four times, the same number as fantasy mouthpiece lollipop Devin Hester(notes).

Nonbelievers will point to the Bennett's lack of experience and questionable musical taste (Brittany Spears, really?) as the main deterrents for avoiding him in drafts. But considering he's being selected on average at pick 195.04, the required investment isn't risky. Frankly, relative to his ADP, the second-year wideout has more profit potential than Hester (94.90 ADP), who has been a mainstay on pundit sleeper lists since Cutler was acquired.

Bennett isn't equipped with Hester jets or brute Boldin strength, but he is a savvy route runner with extraordinary vision, secure hands and plus quickness. Though the Bears haven't rostered a 1,000-yard receiver since Marty Booker(notes) in 2002, the deceptive weapon has better-than-advertised odds of reaching the milestone. Chicago receivers coach Darryl Drake concurs:

"What a difference a year makes on anybody, and that's what people have to understand. When you get to this league and you get into the offense we're in, it takes time. After two years, everybody was ready to write off Bernard Berrian(notes) when he was here: 'He can't play, this and that.' He's [now] one of the elite players in the league and it took him close to three years. It's not going to happen right away, it's just not. I haven't seen it. A guy can maybe go in and function and do some things, but he's nowhere near where he'll be in a year or two years. Earl is different [this year] because he is more confident, he understands the offense, and he understands where to be and where to line up in a lot of different formations."

Whenever "elite" is attached to Berrian, talent evaluation skills should be questioned, but most of Drake's observations are far from outlandish.

Last year, Cutler transformed little known rookie Eddie Royal(notes) into a fantasy behemoth, targeting him a robust 129 times. Although his looks total will likely be lower, the silky smooth Bennett has the tools to become virtual pigskin's next shocker special.

Fearless Forecast: 68 receptions, 918 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns

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Image courtesy of US Presswire

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