Daniel Braverman finished second in the nation with 109 receptions last year, but he didn’t spent the entire season beating up on MAC teams.
The Bears’ seventh-round draft pick had 13 catches for 109 yards in the season opener against Michigan State; later in the month, he caught 10 passes for 123 yards and one 55-yard score against Ohio State.
“Being from South Florida, you kind of get used to playing in big games,” the Miramar, Fla., native said. “So Michigan State and Ohio State was just another way to be able to prove myself. I go out every game with a chip on my shoulder to try to prove that I belong and that I’m one of the best players on the field, so I take that with me.”
At 5-10, 177 pounds, Braverman is used to slaying giants. He had 1,367 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns to go with his 109 catches — perhaps the greatest statistical season of any major college receiver last year. He returned 25 punts in the last two years; he redshirted his sophomore season after tearing his ACL.
“I’ve been punt returning ever since little league and kick returning ever since little league,” he said. “I’ve been scoring touchdowns on special teams my whole life and I just take pride in being a football player.
“And whatever I’m asked to do I’ll do it to the best of my ability. I believe I’m a playmaker, so if the Chicago Bears need me to do a couple punt returns, I’m here to do it.”
