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Chicago Bears: Logical 2017 NFL Draft Targets at Each Position

By Dan Schmelzer

Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) celebrates after picking up a fumble during the third quarter of a game against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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O.J. Howard 2017 NFL Draft
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight Ends

O.J. Howard, Alabama: 6-foot-6, 251 pounds, Projected Round: 1

Alabama tight end O.J. Howard is one of the best football players in this draft class. He shows fantastic speed and athleticism for a man of his size and uses it well as a receiver. Howard can go up and get it with the best of them and has great run after catch ability. His ability to stretch the middle of the field deep is also incredibly impressive.

Howard is an exciting prospect as a receiver, but his blocking at the tight end position is also top-notch. There will be no worries about him being able to come in and compete immediately. Tight end is a major position of need for the Bears and I would not be surprised to see Howard being a huge priority in their draft plans. He is a legitimate top five talent.

Evan Engram, Ole Miss: 6-foot-3, 234 pounds, Projected Round: 1-2

Evan Engram is not a well-rounded tight end prospect. He does not block much at all. However, he is a big and athletic guy who can get open and catch the ball well. Engram has a great chance to become a huge weapon as a move tight end at the next level and could easily be on the Bears’ radar in the early second round.

George Kittle, Iowa: 6-foot-4, 247 pounds, Projected Round: 3-4

George Kittle is probably my favorite tight end in this class. He is an elite blocker at the position, showing the ability to legitimately manhandle opposing defensive linemen and linebackers. He was also a reliable receiver in college, despite playing in a run-heavy attack.

Kittle shined at the combine, showing more speed and overall athleticism than most expect. He is a good, physical football player who also has some nice upside. Kittle is definitely a guy to keep an eye on for the Bears.

Eric Saubert, Drake: 6-foot-5, 253 pounds, Projected Round: 6

Just an interesting late-round guy to keep an eye on. Eric Saubert is not a physical blocker but he shows soft hands and some nice ability as a receiver. If the Bears decide not to spend a ton of draft capital at tight end, Saubert would be a nice late-round target.

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