Monk waived by Bears
Former Arkansas wide receiver Marcus Monk was waived by the Chicago Bears earlier today. Monk was Chicago’s last pick in the NFL draft in April, and caught one pass for 14 yards in two games during the Bears’ preseason.
Here’s more from the Chicago Sun-Times:
The 6-4, 212-pounder from Arkansas struggled getting off press coverage and wasn’t strong enough. He was used seldom in the preseason.
Monk was the Bears’ 12th selection in the draft in 2008. Monk was coming off a preseason knee injury that forced him to sit out most of the 2007 season. Monk caught just 16 balls in his final year with the Hogs.
Monk was one of four Bears waived Sunday.
Sorry to hear this about Marcus. This is a good lesson for all the college juniors who think they are ready for the NFL. The NFL defensive backs and linebackers are so much faster than those in college, and yes, even the SEC. Monk could have benefited greatly with a season under Coach Petrino and his system, and had more time to recover from his knee injury. Hopefully, he will be able to sign with another team soon.
I realize Marcus was a senior, my mistake, it was incorrect in thinking he was a junior. Maybe I should have stayed in school longer! Anyway, I was thinking correctly in that most juniors aren’t ready for the NFL. Maybe Darren and Felix will prove me wrong.
From everything written, Monk’s a great guy. Hindsight is always perfect, but it’s a shame he did not redshirt his senior year after the injury, instead of trying to come back very late in the year. Under Petrino, he would have thrived as a premiere receiver. Regardless, I hope the kid lands on his feet and gets another shot in the NFL.