Chicago Bears: 53-man roster prediction following the draft

Tight Ends

Jimmy Graham, Cole Kmet, Demetrius Harris, J.P. Holtz (4)

I struggled with this group more than I did the first three groups. Jimmy Graham is a lock to be the starting “U” tight-end. He will be on the field a vast majority of plays and I honestly believe he will perform closer to his form in Seattle and New Orleans. Do not expect Pro Bowl talent, but Graham should find himself in the top 15 statistically. It would not shock me if he winds up top-10.

One reason his numbers might not look as good is if Cole Kmet performs well in his rookie season. Combined I cannot imagine this Chicago Bears team having the struggles they saw at the position in 2019. The addition of both of these players is a huge upgrade. Kmet will likely be the “Y” tight end and also see significant playing time.

Behind these two I see Demetrius Harris backing up Graham and J.P. Holtz backing up Kmet. There is a small chance the team keeps five tight ends. If they do I expect Jesper Horsted to be the name we see listed, but Ben Braunecker could also be that guy. He brings more experience to the position. I thought Pace would cut him for salary cap space, but it has yet to happen.

This means Adam Shaheen will be gone. Yes, I cannot imagine Shaheen still in a Chicago Bears uniform come September. If I am wrong, I will be blasting Pace for such a horrific decision. Darion Clark and Horsted are two guys I envision on the practice squad.