Ryan Poles Is Sniffing Around The Next Dexter McCluster
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted a unique talent named Dexter McCluster in 2010 out of Ole Miss. He became one of the best gadget players in the NFL, serving as a running back, wide receiver, and return man for the next four seasons. He helped them make the playoffs as a rookie and then made the Pro Bowl in 2013 as a punt returner. Ryan Poles likely has strong memories of McCluster and understood how he could impact games. If another such talent came along, it’s not hard to imagine the Chicago Bears GM being interested.
That is where the name Xavier Gipson comes in. Most fans won’t know him. That is the byproduct of playing for an FCS program like Stephen F. Austin. However, he’s emerged as one of the most dangerous weapons in college football and, according to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, has the Bears’ full attention.
“Xavier Gipson, quite possibly to most underrated wide receiver/return specialist in this year’s draft, also had a good day. He measured slightly over 5’9″ and tipped the scale at 189 pounds, 12 heavier than scouts expected. Gipson then timed as fast as 4.38 seconds in the 40. He looked terrific in receiver and return drills.
Gipson’s college stats are pretty astounding — he averaged 18.1 yards per catch on 146 receptions the past three seasons, with 22 TDs. He’s also averaged 20.2 yards on 17 punt returns the past two seasons, with 3 TDs. The Dallas Cowboys are expected to invite Gipson to their local pro day, and he’s drawing a lot of interest from the Chicago Bears.“
The similarities to McCluster stand out immediately.
Both are 5’9 with quickness and agility for navigating tight spaces. It’s why Gipson is so dangerous as a punt returner. What is scary about him is he’s faster than McCluster, who ran a pedestrian 4.53. He’s also 20 lbs heavier. Such factors make it easy to understand Poles’ interest.
Ryan Poles likely sees Gipson as a perfect late-round flier.
Having not gone to a top college program, it’s unlikely the receiver goes high. He will either be a Day 3 selection or a priority undrafted free agent. Poles has five picks in the final four rounds of the 2023 draft. He may add more via trades when the action begins next month. It wouldn’t be a shock if he reserved one for Gipson. He might finally solve the Bears’ lingering issues at punt returner while giving them explosive depth at the receiver position. Luke Getsy will love his versatility.
This is another reminder of how thorough Ryan Poles is. He’s not focused on just the bigger school. He has eyes everywhere. To him, the one who grinds the hardest will be rewarded. Last off-season showed he has a knack for finding talent late in the draft and undrafted free agency. If he thinks Gipson can be another McCluster, then the Bears have every reason to put him in navy blue. It will be interesting to see when his name comes up in the next few weeks.