Jay Cutler isn't counting on Alshon Jeffery to make an impact like A.J. Green had as a rookie with the Cincinnati Bengals, but that doesn't mean the Chicago Bears quarterback isn't expecting big things from the young receiver.

"I don't think we're going to necessarily need that kind of production out of Alshon," Cutler said Thursday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "I think he's fully capable of that kind of production, but we'll pick and choose where we use him, what he's best suited for. In the coming years I can see him being just a dominant force out there."

Green, the fourth pick in the 2011 NFL draft, made an immediate impact with the Bengals last season, catching 65 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. With Brandon Marshall joining the offense this season, the Bears don't need Jeffery, a second-round pick out of South Carolina, to put up big numbers, at least right away.

Cutler said the 6-foot-3, 216-pound Jeffery, who has already earned high marks from Marshall, is making progress in camp.

"Alshon, he started a little bit slow but he's come on very, very strong," Cutler said. "Big guy. Does a lot of things naturally. You don't have to coach him. He's a born, natural receiver."

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Bears QB Jay Cutler joins "Waddle & Silvy" at Bears training camp talk about the new offense under Mike Tice, how the new receivers are progressing.



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