30 Most Important Bears of 2022: No. 4 Darnell Mooney

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the 2022 NFL season, which features plenty of new and returning faces within the organization. There are a number of players, coaches and front office members that are crucial to the team’s success this season.

Every day from now until the start of training camp, we’re counting down our 30 most important Bears for the 2022 season. We’ll recap their 2021 season, look ahead to 2022 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.

Next up at No. 4 is wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who’s stepping into the WR1 role.

Background

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Position: Wide receiver

Age: 24

Experience: 3rd season

2022 cap hit: $965,513

2021 recap

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Darnell Mooney emerged as a top target in his second season with the Bears. While Chicago’s passing attack was among the worst in the NFL, Mooney showed that he has the potential to develop into a playmaker for quarterback Justin Fields moving forward. Mooney, who was the Bears’ best wideout in 2021, recorded his first 1,000-yard receiving season. He finished with 81 catches for 1,055 yards and four touchdowns, which led all Chicago receivers. He eclipsed 100 yards in four of the 17 games he played. But he wasn’t without his faults. After just one dropped pass in his rookie year, he had nine drops in 2021.

There wasn’t much to love about the Bears offense last year, but Mooney’s development was a huge bright spot. He proved to be a reliable target for all three of the Bears’ quarterbacks — Fields, Andy Dalton and Nick Foles — and showcased his playmaking ability. With WR1 Allen Robinson sidelined for five games, Mooney showed his potential as the top option against opposing defenses. The former fifth-round pick is proving to be one of former GM Ryan Pace’s best draft steals.

2022 outlook

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Following the departure of Robinson in free agency, Mooney is now the top guy in Chicago. While Mooney showed his potential as the Bears’ top target last year, being WR1 presents its own challenges. He’ll be the focus of double teams, which can open up opportunities for other receivers on the roster. But he’ll no doubt be the top target for Fields this season. Mooney and Fields have been nearly inseparable this offseason, and they have the potential to become a lethal duo in the league.

Mooney is the only proven commodity at wideout, which is certainly concerning. But there are some potential playmakers in Byron Pringle and rookie Velus Jones Jr. Mooney is stepping into a leadership role where he’s going to make sure those guys, among others, are ready given Mooney will be the focal point of opposing defenses. With a new offense in place, Mooney has an opportunity to take another step forward in his development and build something special with Fields.

Big question: Will Mooney rise to the challenge of being WR1?

Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

There has been plenty of criticism surrounding Chicago’s wide receivers this offseason, including skepticism about Mooney’s potential as a true No. 1 receiver. Following Robinson’s departure in free agency, Mooney is the top option for Fields. He’ll be the main target for opposing defenses and battle some of the league’s top cornerbacks. It’s a position Mooney hasn’t been in yet, and he’ll have to prove he can rise to the challenge.

But the exciting thing is we haven’t seen Mooney’s true potential, which is something we could see in Luke Getsy’s offense. He’ll no doubt be the top target for Fields, a connection that could be a huge bright spot this season. But this offense is catered to the strengths of its players. As Mooney told Dan Pompei, “I love the offense. It makes sense.” Still, Mooney has plenty to prove in his new WR1 role.

30 Most Important Bears of 2022

We’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears of 2022. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp.

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