Ranking Chicago Bears 2019 Roster: 65-61
61. Ben Braunecker, TE
Last year: 66
While Tyler Bray moved down one, Braunecker moves up a couple of spots. Most of that has to do with Dion Sims getting hurt, which led to three receptions for 42 yards. That does not sound like much but it did nearly double his three-year career in Chicago.
So, yes, he did improve his ranking from last season. However, it is not by leaps and bounds.
His offseason started on a positive note when the team elected against adding a tight end to the picture. With Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen clearly ahead of him, Braunecker could easily slide into the third tight end spot.
However, when Bradley Sowell moved from offensive line to tight end, Braunecker moved from an end of the roster candidate to a potential cut player.
A late-season injury to Burton, a lack of breakout from Shaheen and little depth at the position keep Braunecker in the hunt to make the roster. However, their recent actions and his three years of play suggest a small impact as a third tight end is his ceiling.