Chicago Bears 2015 Position Preview: Tight End
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Blake Annen
The Bears signed Annen to their practice squad during week 3 of last season after he was released by the Eagles. Annen was a priority UDFA for the Eagles despite being considered by most draftniks to be a day 3 talent. The Bears have been looking for an H-back / Move TE for the last few seasons and they may have found one in Annen. He only played 1 snap last season (week 14) so he is still an unknown, but here is my pre-draft scouting report on Annen:
Annen has all the physical tools you look for in a TE. He has good size at 6’4, 238 pounds and elite speed (4.41 40-time), but only had 16 receptions for 148 yards and 2 TEs last year at Cincinnati. His production has never matched up to his physical tools, but the Bearcats offense didn’t utilize the TE much. Annen is an intriguing talent who could be an asset as a receiver if the Bears give him some time to develop.
Jacob Maxwell
Started his NFL career as a UDFA for the Lions in 2014, but didn’t make the team and was signed immediately by the Dolphins where he spent most of the season on the practice squad before being released late in the season. The Bears snatched him up and placed Maxwell on their practice squad for the remainder of the 2014 season. Maxwell was mainly a blocking TE in college with only 31 catches, 343 yards, and 6 TDs over two seasons as a starter, but has NFL athleticism. He ran a 4.68 at his college pro day with 38″ vertical, and 10’7″ broad jump. Maxwell was also a solid special teams player in college which will probably be his main role should he make the Bears roster this year. His athletic ability makes him an interesting developmental prospect who will most likely spent the 2015 season on the practice squad again.
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Brian Vogler
An undrafted free agent for the Bears this year who has very good size (6’7 | 262), but is a raw prospect. Vogler didn’t contribute much as a receiver at Alabama with only 17 catches over 4 seasons. He was mainly a blocking TE for the Tide, but according to NFL.com Vogler doesn’t have the base to handle bull rushes, the strength to generate movement as a run blocker, or the footwork to handle speed rushes. Sounds like a developmental prospect to me.