Now in their second season working in coach Matt Nagy's offense, the Bears receivers will be working with a greater comfort, which is expected to benefit them and the growth of quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
The trio of Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller emerged around Trubisky in 2018. This season, there are more options in play.
The lasting impression of Robinson's first season in Chicago came in the wild-card round playoff loss to Philadelphia. He caught 10 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown, showcasing great rhythm with Trubisky. The Bears hope their established connection leads to big production in 2019.
Gabriel proved to be a reliable target in the Bears' offense last season, catching 67 of the 93 targets for a career-best 72-percent rate. The 67 receptions were nearly double his previous season-high mark.
Despite dealing with a lingering left shoulder injury, Miller still led all rookie receivers with seven touchdown catches. He's recovering from offseason surgery to that shoulder, but the Bears hope he will be ready for training camp.
The versatile Patterson is an ideal fit for Nagy's plans on offense, adding a threat out wide and in the backfield. Nagy described himself as "like a kid in the candy store" making plans for Patterson.
Given their secure roster, the Bears drafted the best player available in the fourth round when they selected the 6-foot-1 Ridley, who brings more potential into Chicago's offense.
Wims flashed some potential in the regular-season finale by catching four passes for 32 yards. He was active for only four games but was developing steadily throughout his rookie campaign.
A former NFL receiver, Furrey won over his players last season with an infectious energy and passion. Among Furrey's biggest tasks this season will be developing young prospects like Ridley and Wims.
It was just two seasons ago the Bears had a receiving group widely considered the worst in the league. Their deficiencies combined with an unimaginative offense kept Trubisky from developing as much as hoped as a rookie.
With Trubisky in mind, the Bears invested heavily at wide receiver, doling out $32 million guaranteed between Robinson and Gabriel and trading a 2019 second-round pick to acquire Miller in the 2018 draft.
The trio of Robinson, Gabriel and Miller combined to catch 155 of Trubisky's 289 completions last season, with Gabriel's 67 receptions leading the way. He played all 16 games and caught a pass in all but one contest.
The Bears entered this offseason seemingly set at receiver but still made moves to enhance that position. In came Patterson, whose role is still being created by Nagy. Then they went out and drafted Ridley in the fourth round, adding some more upside.
There's intriguing depth at receiver to round out the 90-man roster and only a few spots available to claim.
At this time a year ago, Robinson was just settling in with the Bears while also finishing his rehab from a torn ACL. Now, he's "light years ahead" from that point.
Robinson reminded in June that he's only 25 years old and not by any means a finished product.
"I don't think as a player I've necessarily peaked yet," he said.
If Robinson can emerge as one of the game's top receivers, it would seem to be this season with an established offense, a clean bill of health and the motivation that clearly lies within.
Robinson and Trubisky have developed a rapport on the field that they believe can take off this season. They're staring at a big opportunity together in 2019.