Bears Day 2 Draft Prospects: Tight End

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A lot has been written already about who the Chicago Bears first round pick (#11) will be, so I’m going to look at who might be options for the Bears in rounds two and three of the draft. The Bears filled some holes via free agency and should fill another one in the first round, but there will still be plenty of positions left that need upgrades. I’ll be breaking down potential targets for the Bears on day 2 of the draft at different positions of need over the next few weeks.

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There are links to the positions I’ve already covered below, but today I’m looking at potential tight ends the Bears could target on day 2 of the draft. It’s a very weak draft at the tight end position which puts the Bears in a tough spot after trading Pro Bowl tight end Martellus Bennett to the Patriots earlier this off-season.

The Bears did bring back Zach Miller, Rob Housler, and Khari Lee, an undrafted free agent rookie who the Bears traded a 6th round pick for last season. They also have practice squad TE Gannon Sinclair who is very raw but has measurables for an inline tight end.

When healthy Zach Miller is a legitimate weapon as a receiver. Houlser has a similar skill-set as MIller, but also a similar injury history. Lee and Sinclair are primarily blocking tight ends, but both have the potential to be more though are still very raw technique wise. The Bears could use another tight end who can both block and catch, but unfortunately this isn’t a great draft to find one.

That being said, there are some talented tight ends in this draft and I’ve broke down a few that might be worth a day two draft selection this year.

Day 2 Draft Prospects

DL | QB | RB | EDGE | WR | ILB | TE

I’ve listed the tight ends that I project to be available in rounds 2 or 3 below who I think could be good fits for the Bears, listed in order of preference. If you have any questions, complaints, or advice… hit me up in the comments or on Twitter (@MFlannery_)

Tight Ends

Hunter Henry, Arkansas (6’5 | 250 | 4.68 ) – The top tight end in a very weak tight end draft class. Henry is by far the best receiving tight end available this year. That doesn’t mean much in a draft class with very little talent at the position. To Henry’s credit, he only dropped two passes in two seasons. He’s got the speed to stretch the seam and the ability to make things happen on slants and short catches in the flat. Henry’s been compared to Travis Kelce and it’s seems valid. Neither players are great blockers, but both can be weapons in the open field.

Henry gives a legitimate effort as a blocker, but will never be an asset in the run game. Ideally Henry is a #2 TE who can be a weapon in the passing game while making a block or two when needed in the running game. With passing offensives becoming more prevalent every season a player like Henry could become a starting caliber tight end who far exceeds his second round value.

Next: Hooper & Vannett

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