Chicago Bears offseason stock watch: Dax Raymond

What is the stock on the Chicago Bears UDFA heading into training camp?

Dax Raymond joined a group of talented players in what turned out to be a strong UDFA class. Still, this is a UDFA tight end ready to enter his first training camp in the NFL, what kind of role is actually expected from him?

Potentially a bigger one than some may think. The thing that has to be brought to attention with Raymond is what type of player he is. At Utah State, he played a role similar to Trey Burton, which is the move role.

This means being able to motion into the slot, backfield, and across the line of scrimmage. Raymond is best with the ball in his hands and turning upfield, but struggles as a blocker.

When looking at the tight ends, they are more worried about roles, than they are about the depth chart.

For example, Burton is the move player, while Adam Shaheen is a downfield receiver and Bradley Sowell is a blocking tight end.  If Burton is injured, Shaheen and Sowell are still more proficient in their specific roles, than being asked to change.

So, Raymond is essentially a backup for Burton. The Bears think that they can get the schematic advanatges of Burton with Raymond on the field. Raymond has a ways to go, and is not going to pass up Burton.

However, he is not going to be asked to be a high leverage blocker, so could get on the field sooner. Considering Burton just had offseason surgery, and Raymond is technically a backup, his stock is rising fast.

Burton is expected to be healthy for the start of the year, but Raymond was added for a specific reason, and that shows the team has an investment in him.