Chicago Bears Post Draft: TE Room Review
With the 2018 NFL Draft now complete, what does the Chicago Bears tight end room look like?
The Chicago Bears have spent the last two seasons completely revamping their tight end room. Now, it hardly looks recognizable. Who are the names to watch for as the days approach training camp?
Trey Burton: The Chicago Bears gave Trey Buton $18 million guaranteed and in total cash, he will pocket over $11 million in 2018. If the Bears are talking with their wallets, they are saying Trey Burton will play the most out of all of the Bears tight ends.
This makes a lot of sense given the versatility of Burton. Burton can line up inline. He can line up in the slot, he can line up as an h-back, or a wing back. You can motion Burton, run screens and reverses with Burton and use him in play action. Trey Burton is a chess piece who helps open up the entire offense.
Adam Shaheen: The question next season will be whether or not Adam Shaheen can take a big step forward and begin seeing significant snaps at tight end. A former basketball player, and small school phenom, Shaheen absolutely needed a year to adjust to the NFL.
However, he progressed rather fast, and by the end of the year, it felt as though John Fox was holding Shaheen back. Shaheen is interesting because he has the size of a power blocker, but can translate that size to the middle of the field and red zone when it comes to collecting passes. T
he versatility and differences in size and style should have Shaheen and Burton looks like a perfect match.
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Dion Sims: Many were surprised the team hung onto Sims after adding Burton. Shaheen should step into Sims role and with Burton as the complimentary, pass-catching tight end, Sims should see a huge reduction in role.
Still, as mentioned, it is not like Adam Shaheen has proven himself yet. Sims is a better blocker than pass catcher, but his ability to carry both as a talent gives him depth for both spots. The depth, and veteran presence were likely enough to keep him around.
Still, his addition as a third tight end and another specific piece who could be used in matchups also will bring value.
Daniel Brown: Brown has made the Bears roster in each of the past two seasons. However, this season, his spot is definitely much more on the line. Brown was value for his versatility. He was a tight end who hardly lined up in-line. He consistently played in the slot to stretch the field over the middle. However, with Burton and Shaheen and their added versatility, the need for a player like Brown may not be as pressing.
Ben Braunecker: Braunecker has bounced between practice squad and the active roster for each of the past two seasons. The team would likely still want him on the practice squad if they could. Still, he has yet to show improvement that gives him an inside shot to the 53-man roster.
Colin Thompson: Thompson is a blocking tight end from Temple who was picked up early into last season. He spent most of his season on the practice squad as Braunecker/Shaheen insurance. Given his limited pass-catching ability, Matt Nagy may not have big plans for Thompson in the future. However, for the sake of depth, Thompson still might stick around the back end of the practice squad.