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Best Case, Worst Case: Ben Braunecker

By Parker Hurley

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) and Chicago Bears tight end Ben Braunecker (84) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) and Chicago Bears tight end Ben Braunecker (84) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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What is the best possible outcome for Ben Braunecker and what is his worst scenario?

As we get ready for the 2017 Bears season, it is a good time to look at the ceiling and floor of every player currently on the Bears roster. Of course, career ending injury is the absolute floor, but we will try to keep it to an on the field scenario. Also, this is the most reasonable ceiling to be set, Mitchell Trubisky is not going to be Super Bowl MVP, MVP and Rookie of the Year this season. With that all said, this edition will look at tight end Ben Braunecker.

Best Case:

Braunecker makes an impact immediately in training camp. He makes a few big plays in the preseason and excels as a blocker. Zach Miller seems to be recovering slowly from his injury, and Adam Shaheen excels more than Braunecker. In a bit of an upset, the Bears decide to keep Braunecker, letting Miller go in training camp. Braunecker comes in as a third tight end but becomes a reliable one on his limited playing time. He catches two touchdowns and nearly doubles his 2016 snap total in the process. Braunecker is an exclusive rights free agent, so the Bears are able to have a choice whether or not to extend him next season. After a leap forward in 2017, the Bears bring back Braunecker for 2018.

Next: Best case, worst case: Jonathan Anderson

Worst Case:

Braunecker looks decent as a pass catcher but does not show any progression in his blocking. Aside from that he makes a few errors on special teams early in training camp and finds himself in the dog house. He gets some chances early into preseason, but it becomes apparent by the second game that MyCole Pruitt has a better grasp of the offense and can fill in on special teams more. The team cuts both Pruitt and Braunecker, but it is Pruitt that they choose to bring onto the practice squad. Braunecker bounces around and finds himself finishing on another team’s practice squad, and signing a futures contract.

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