Chicago Bears Daily 2017 NFL Draft Prospect: Iowa Tight End George Kittle
George Kittle is an interesting tight end sleeper prospect who the Chicago Bears should target in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Chicago Bears should look to address the tight end position in the 2017 NFL Draft. I would not be surprised if O.J. Howard becomes an option if they trade down from number three, and guys like David Njoku and Evan Engram should be considered if they are available in the second round.
However, if the Bears do not want to spend premium draft capital in the position, Iowa tight end George Kittle should be the guy. Kittle was a consistent target in the passing game for Iowa who shows an extremely well-rounded skillset. Make no mistake about it, Kittle is a capable receiver who can make some noise in the passing game.
Kittle showed nice receiving skills on tape, but he is a downright dominant run blocker. Kittle shows elite level power for the tight end position, consistently driving opposing defensive linemen off of the ball. He also shows more than enough quickness to reach the second level. As a blocker, Kittle will be able to make an immediate NFL impact.
In a run first system at Iowa, Kittle never put up huge receiving numbers. He was a consistent target, but his overall numbers leave plenty to be desired. That being said, his combine numbers have many wondering if he has more upside as a receiver than he showed in college.
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Kittle was a top performer at the scouting combine, running an incredibly impressive 4.52 40-yard dash, 35-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot broad jump. His 40-yard dash and broad jump were both the third best of any tight end at the combine.
We knew that Kittle was a strong blocker who can make some plays in the passing game, but I don’t think anybody expected that kind of speed and athleticism. If Kittle can stretch the field as a receiver at the next level like his workout numbers suggest, he is going to be an extremely valuable and well-rounded tight end.
Next: Bears Complete Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft
Zach Miller is a nice tight end for the Bears right now, but they would be wise to figure out the position in the long-term. Kittle could be a game breaker for the Chicago Bears at an extremely low price. At worst, he is going to be a good blocking tight end who would be a solid number two option.