Examining changes to Chicago Bears TE depth chart in 2022

The Chicago Bears roster overhaul is not over yet, but it certainly looks different than the year before. Ryan Poles came in and gutted the thing, and while it is not built back up, you certainly can see the difference.

After the Chicago Bears finished OTAs 11 months ago we wrote a post about the tight end depth chart. Here is what it looked like, with the player currently on the roster highlighted.

Cole Kmet

Jimmy Graham (unsigned)

JP Holtz  (Signed with NO Saints)

Jesper Horsted (Released with injury designation)

Jake Butt (retired)

Scooter Harrington (unsigned)

We have done these write-ups for the wideouts and running backs and in both sections, it is surprising how many players the team had signed just last year but still do not have a home. In the case of Butt and Horsted, an injury knocked them out, but Graham remains unsigned.

So, now what is the difference in the depth chart?

Chicago Bears Tight End Depth Chart

Cole Kmet

Cole Kmet is the player that they kept over. Of course, it was a no-brainer considering he is a second-round pick in the third year of his rookie salary contract. How he performs this season will tell us if the Bears will extend him around this time next year.

Ryan Griffin (FA)

Ryan Griffin has been an experienced veteran and most recently was with the Jets. He was drafted in 2013 by the Texans and now will join his third team. The hope is that he can provide more blocking upside than Jimmy Graham so that the team can utilize Cole Kmet more as a pass-catcher.

James O’Shaughnessy (FA)

O’Shaughnessy has ties to  Ryan Poles dating back to 2015 when he entered the NFL with the Kansas City City Chiefs. After two years in Kansas City and five years with the Jaguars he now joins his third team. With Kmet more of the pass-catcher, Griffin more the blocker, and O’Shaughnessy will be more of the move tight end.

Chase Allen (UDFA)

Chase Allen has traits that compare to Jesse James at a fraction of the cost, and at a much younger age. The team may keep four tight ends, so he will be in the mix to make the roster as a rookie UDFA.

Jake Tonges (UDFA)

If you were to say which tight end Tonges most resembles of the names above him it would be O’Shaughnessy. They could be competing for a role as the move tight end.

Rysen John (FA)

John has been at a few training camps but has not made it much further. It is unlikely he brings more upside than the two young UDFAs.