23-year old WR Johnny Knox was outstanding on kickoff returns last season.  He played in 15 games for the Bears last season and he returned 32 kickoffs for 927 yards (29.0 avg) with 1 TD (it was a 102-yarder).  It will be interesting to see if the special teams coach or the offensive co-ordinator win out about Knox.  After all, Knox could be the Bears’ #1 WR in 2010.

28-year old safety Danieal Manning is a back up safety for the Bears and he’s also a solid return man.  He played in 15 games for the Bears last season and he returned 28 kickoffs for 744 yards (26.6 avg).  Manning has now played in 61 games in his NFL career and he has returned 68 kickoffs for 1,895 yards (27.9 avg) with 1 TD return.  If the Bears choose to only play Johnny Knox on offense then Manning will be the starter on kickoff returns.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE KICKOFF RETURNERS OF THE BEARS in 2010:  A