Andy

Fantuz

Fantuz became a Chicago fan favorite during the new-depleted 2011 offseason, but he flamed out quickly in Bears camp and was cut before the opener. He didn’t resurface on the practice squad. Fantuz is 6-foot-4, 220 without speed. He’s been a big-time player in the CFL previously, playing in Saskatchewan.

A former Saskatchewan Roughrider in the CFL, Fantuz reportedly exhibited “impressive athletic ability” and “good hands” in the Jay Cutler-led workouts. Fantuz was incredibly productive in Canada, and has very good size at 6-foot-4, 221. In a perfect -- though probably not realistic -- world, Fantuz would be Mike Martz’s new Ricky Proehl as a possession, third-down type.

A slotback for the CFL’s Saskatchewan club, Fantuz racked up 87 catches for 1,390 yards and six touchdowns last season and has NFL size at 6'4/221. In Mike Martz’s offense, however, he’ll need to run crisp routes and get out of breaks with near-freakish quickness for that size to make the 2011 roster.

Fantuz is making the rounds, having already visited the Steelers, Patriots, and Vikings. The former University of Western Ontario star racked up 87 receptions, 1,380 yards, and six TDs for the Roughriders in 2010. He even has his own cereal, “Fantuz Flakes,” in Canada. The Bears also had former Seahawks DE Nick Reed in for a visit.

The Bears are moving quickly with their cuts. Fantuz became a fan favorite when there was nothing to talk about during the lockout, but the former CFL star flamed out in preseason games and practices. Baptiste, Bryan, and Laptad were all undrafted rookies. Baptiste might be a practice squad candidate.