When a position has snakebitten the Bears, it really leaves its mark. Last year, it was kicker. This year, it’s tight end. And despite the fact that the Bears currently have nine tight ends on their roster, it wouldn’t be a surprise if general manager Ryan Pace drafted another one this year.
If the Bears decide to use one of their second-round picks on a tight end, they’ll likely have their pick of the draft class. Chicago could be the first team to take a tight end, although there are some that argue that there aren’t any tight ends that should be taken in the first two rounds.
But for the Bears, who have just two picks in the first four rounds, if Pace wants to take his shot at a tight end — that doesn’t involve trading up — it might require using one of those second rounders to get his guy.
Let’s take a look at five tight ends Chicago could target in the NFL Draft:
1. Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
Kmet is arguably the best tight end prospect in the NFL Draft, and it’s easy to see why he’ll likely be the first tight end off the board. While Kmet lacks the speed that would make him an explosive receiving threat, he has the size to be an effective “Y” or “blocking” tight end.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t contribute in the passing game, as well. Kmet was one of the best tight ends in college football in 2019, where he caught 43 passes for 515 yards and six touchdowns. If the Bears were to draft Kmet, he’d likely take the role currently occupied by Adam Shaheen, who hasn’t found much success after Chicago drafted him in the second round four years ago.
2. Brycen Hopkins, Purdue
Considering the importance of the tight end in Matt Nagy’s offense, Hopkins would be the perfect fit for Nagy’s “U” or “move” tight end. Hopkins is surely a prospect that has caught Chicago’s eye, as they’ve met with him (in person and through FaceTime) three times during this pre-draft process.
The Bears are looking for solid production out of the tight end position, and Hopkins had plenty of it with Purdue. Last season, Hopkins had 830 yards and six touchdowns with the Boilermakers. Hopkins has thrived more as a receiver than a blocker, as evidenced by his speed and effective route running ability.
3. Harrison Bryant, FAU
Bryant appears to be the whole package, and he’s arguably the most versatile tight end in the draft. With his combination of athleticism, route running and ball skills, he’s an explosive threat in the passing game. But he’s just as effective as an in-line blocker.
In 2019, Bryant had 65 catches for 1,004 yards and seven touchdowns, which earned him the 2019 John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end. Bryant has been referred to as “George Kittle 2.0,” which, considering the importance of a tight end in Nagy’s offense, would be everything Chicago would be looking for.
4. Adam Trautman, Dayton
The last time the Bears drafted a tight end from a Division II school named Adam, it didn’t exactly pan out. So it’s easy to see why some would be hesitant to take a chance on Dayton’s Adam Trautman. Trautman put himself on many teams’ radars with an impressive outing at the Senior Bowl.
Trautman’s size and quickness are impressive considering his size. While he projects to fill the “Y” tight end role in Chicago’s offense, he also can be a threat in the receiving game. Trautman had a career season with 70 receptions, 916 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2019.
5. Hunter Bryant, Washington
Bryant excelled in his role as “U” tight end in Washington, which made him a matchup problem for opposing defenses. Bryant projects to fill that same role in Nagy’s offense, where production at tight end is needed. In 2019, Bryant had 52 receptions for 825 yards and three touchdowns.
Although the concern with Bryant is his injury history. During his freshman and sophomore seasons, Bryant suffered knee injuries that limited him to just 14 games. Bryant’s injury history certainly raises some red flags, considering Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen have also struggled with injuries.
