Bears trade up to select receiver Mooney

[Staley Da Bear]

Mooney ran a 4.38 in the 40 at the NFL Combine, tied for the fifth fastest among all prospects. He wasn't surprised by his time.


"It was expected," he said during a conference call with the media. "I feel like I'm a fast guy. It was just what the other guys were trying to see. I mean, once I ran it I felt pretty good about it. I feel like I could have run faster when I got done. But it's all good and I had a good score."


While Mooney views his speed as "definitely a plus in my game," he doesn't necessarily consider it his greatest strength as a receiver.


"I think of myself more as a route-runner and having my speed is just a bonus," Mooney said. "It helps me out and is a great advantage against other guys."


Mooney credits Tulane receivers coach Jeff Conway with helping him develop his route-running ability.


Mooney is only 5-11 and 174 pounds, but he doesn't look at his small stature as a disadvantage.


"I played bigger than my size," Mooney said. "I don't have a problem with doing anything like either blocking someone like a linebacker or a safety, regardless of who it is. I don't really think about my size as a problem."


With NFL facilities closed due to the coronavirus, Mooney intends to reach out to his new Bears teammates and get his playbook as soon as possible so he can begin learning the offense. He's been staying in shape by running four miles a day, doing pushups and sit-ups, and working out in a weight room at a friend's house.


Mooney wasn't highly recruited coming out of Gadsen City High School in Alabama and continues to embrace an underdog mentality as he prepares to begin his NFL career.


"Same thing over and over; I've just got to prove myself," Mooney said. "I've been living through heart all my life, so I don't expect it to change. Just know as soon as I get in, I'm going to make a lot of noise and there are going to be some things to talk about in the future."