How have the Chicago Bears tight ends looked at this point in training camp?
After the first week of Chicago Bears training camp, it is a good chance to look back at what has happened. While it is only the first week, and there is no reason to be concerned, this is a good chance to see which direction every play is trending towards as preseason games start.
Trey Burton
We have been anticipating the different looks that Chicago can give with Trey Burton being the key to his value with the Bears. So far in camp, that has been the noticeable element to his game. They have used three tight end sets, which appears to be a staple of the offense moving forward.
The #Bears just ran a pass play where Trey Burton, Ben Braunecker and Dion Sims all lined up on the left side and Kevin White was the lone receiver on the right.
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) July 21, 2018
They also used Burton in motion and on play action.
Love the play design. They motioned TE Trey Burton away, then back into the play for a fake handoff. #Bears coaches are going to fun with his versatility. https://t.co/ArNetrXbdm
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) July 22, 2018
Burton even impressed in pass protection drills. His blocking was certainly going to be a question with minimal experience, but so far he is living up to expectations.
Adam Shaheen
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
Shaheen showed up to camp in shape and ready for a key role in 2018. It has not been a noisy camp for Shaheen yet, but he has been active in both the passing and running game.
Looking to improve his mobility, 2nd year TE Adam Shaheen dropped a few pounds. He will get more opportunities in the passing game & his blocking is a strength. He is only going to get better. He is a player to watch after overcoming a late season injury in '17. @WBBMNewsradio
— Jeff Joniak (@JeffJoniak) July 21, 2018
As expected, Shaheen has lined up in the slot and in-line which. He has also lined up out wide, though.
Dion Sims
Sims has had some of the more positive buzz attached to his name in camp. Matt Nagy has doubled down on a need for his role in the offense, and that his blocking and receiving combination is going to be extremely valuable.
You can see some of his value in the play below. With Sims, Trey Burton and a running back, the team has an arsenal to run the football. Especially with a back and a motion man in the backfield. However, this is all a distraction to set Sims up wide open over the middle.
A lot of pre snap movement in this offense. Confuses the defense here allowing Dion Sims to be wide open over the middle. Perfect placed ball from Trubisky pic.twitter.com/xAlGzROxK1
— Stephen Letizia (@StephenLetizia) July 24, 2018
Ben Braunecker and Daniel Brown
Both have missed some time over the first week and have been getting eased back in. Colin Thompson has not done much as well.