Emma: Bears Thrilled To Add WR Kevin White To Mix After Lost 2015 Season

By Chris Emma--

INDIANAPOLIS (CBS) -- Here's the overly positive way to look at the disappointing situation surrounding rookie receiver Kevin White as he sat out all of 2015: The Bears are essentially getting a bonus first-round pick in 2016.

The Bears are preparing to work with nine picks for April's NFL Draft, including the No. 11 overall pick, and they also get the presence of White as they were expecting a year ago. Chicago will add a difference-making talent in the first round, and general manager Ryan Pace will look for value in the middle and late rounds, all this following the process of allocating much of approximately $60 million in free agency. As they work, they do so knowing White is healthy once again.

Following a frustrating 2015 season in which White didn't take the field because of a stress fracture in his left leg, he's been medically cleared and will participate in offseason activities. White required surgery to repair the stress fracture last offeason, and while his status was up in the air into December, the Bears eventually decided to shut him down.

"He's training on his own," Pace said, speaking at the NFL Combine. "He's progressing well."

In White, the Bears will be getting another impact player to their 2016 roster. He was selected by Pace, John Fox and the team's brass to be the complement to receiver Alshon Jeffery and fill the void of Brandon Marshall, who was traded last March to the Jets.

White was considered a key investment for the Bears' future, specifically for quarterback Jay Cutler. Instead, he never took the field. Making matters tougher was that Jeffery missed seven games with injuries to four different soft-tissue muscles.

Throughout a challenging 2015, White was a constant presence at Halas Hall, whether it was working on his rehabilitation or participating in team meetings. He gained a solid grasp of the playbook during his time around the building. White maintained poise and a positive mindset through tough times.

"Really excited about him," Pace said. "I know he's got a lot of confidence and a big smile on his face and is ready to show everybody what he can do."

White, 23, stands at 6-foot-3 and 217 pounds, with great hands and breakaway speed.

The Bears need an impact player like White to be inserted into their game plan. Cutler had an efficient 2015 season but was often forced to play the role of game manager with a replacement-level receiving group.

When the Bears made the selection of White, they believed in his tremendous upside and saw a bright future ahead. White's now ready to begin making an impact one year later.

"He's a guy that's got good size, quickness, explosion," Fox said. "Yards after the catch can be a positive, but at the end of the day, he has to go prove that. We've got time, and he's healthy."

Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.