3 under-the-radar training camp battles for the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears under-the-radar training camp battle: Tight End
I think many of us assume Cole Kmet is going to win the starting tight end spot, but with a new regime, there aren’t any guarantees here. Ryan Poles highly suggested to Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet that they should practice on their own time with Justin Fields — both have done just that. However, is that going to be enough to lock Kmet into that TE1 role? Personally, I think it happens, but that doesn’t mean Ryan Griffin, James O’Shaughnessy, Rysen John or even UDFA, Chase Allen cannot push him.
Kmet is coming off a very productive season where he caught 60 of 93 targets for 612 yards. However, he never got into the end zone. This has to change in 2022 or he might start losing playing time. Griffin and O’Shaughnessy are veterans who have proven to be productive at times too. Although, none have proven to be a receiving threat to gain over 600 yards in one season. Griffin came the closest with 442 yards for Houston in 2016.
Even though I would not guarantee Kmet wins the TE1 spot, it’s most likely. The training camp battle we will need to keep an eye on is TE2 through TE4 — assuming they only keep four. Griffin has the most all-around potential of the guys behind Kmet. Injuries have been a bit of a problem throughout his career though. O’Shaughnessy isn’t much of a receiving threat and Chase Allen is the wild card. The team also has UDFA, Jake Tonges on the roster.
Prediction:
Cole Kmet will earn that TE1 spot. He’s better than many like to give him credit despite never becoming a George Kittle or Travis Kelce. Ryan Griffin will earn that TE2 spot. I believe James O’Shaugnessy’s blocking will ensure he remains on the team as the TE3 and assuming the Chicago Bears keep four tight ends, Chase Allen will win that final spot over Jake Tonges and Rysen John.