Chicago Bears: Draft prospects that nobody is talking about (part 1)

Chicago Bears tight end prospect

Two positions the Chicago Bears could attack during day three are tight end and running back. Yes, I understand that the Bears brought in Damien Williams and have had as many as 11 tight ends on the roster before. You can never have too much talent on a roster. Three names come to mind when we start discussing these positions:

• Hunter Long, TE – Boston College
• Elijah Mitchell, RB – Louisana
• Nate McCrary, RB – Saginaw Valley

Hunter Long is starting to get some draft buzz, but I feel he is still being overlooked. Long to me looks like Cole Kmet and plays like Jimmy Graham. Long is listed at 6’5″ and 253 pounds. Kmet is slightly bigger. Some might ask, well, why him Cam? Because Long is a more athletic version of Kmet.

While they are built and play very similarly, Long played a different position. Long played inline, in the slot, and the backfield. He has similar explosiveness to Kmet but has a more extensive route-running tree as a prospect. Long is Jimmy Graham-like but in Kmet’s body. I know how that sounds when comparing Long to Graham but think about it.

Jimmy Graham is getting older (34) and hasn’t been the Graham we have come to know. Graham can’t run routes as well, he is not overly fast, and he still can’t block that well. He still plays the “U” tight end position very well and is a solid red-zone threat.

Some qualities are bad about Graham that Hunter Long doesn’t have. Hunter long is not the best blocker but is very willing. Long’s route running is solid, but he is not overly fast (4.65 unofficial 40-yard dash). Long does have a bit of a drop issue, but that happens. I have heard that Long could be taken on day two, and I have heard rumors that he could fall to day three. Either way, he should be on the Chicago Bears’ radar.

Look for parts 2 and 3 to pop up tomorrow morning.