Previewing the Chicago Bears tight ends for 2017
Breaking down the Chicago Bears tight end situation for the 2017 season.
Here at Da Windy City, we are continuing our series of position previews in preparation for the Chicago Bears 2017 campaign.
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of previewing the wide receiver position. Today, we will round out the offensive playmakers by analyzing the Bears’ tight end situation for the upcoming season.
Who are the options?
Following the departure of Martellus Bennett to New England, it was veteran tight end Zach Miller who stepped up last season. Miller developed evident chemistry with former Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. However, it’s a whole new scene this season with Mike Glennon calling the shots. It’ll be interesting to see if Miller can find similar chemistry with Glennon and produce if he makes the roster.
Last year Miller was having a career year for himself with 47 receptions, 486 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns before his season was cut short by a foot injury in Week 11.
Unfortunately for Miller, at age 32, this isn’t the first time he’s been injured. Don’t assume he will be guaranteed the starting job. The Bears have signaled a possible shift at the position already.
In the offseason, the Bears signed free agent Dion Sims from Miami. Not only is Sims an offensive threat, but can also hold his own blocking.
The Bears weren’t done with the Sims acquisition as they drafted Adam Shaheen in the second round of the 2017 draft. Many questioned the tight end out of Ashland, but thus far, he’s been turning heads at training camp.
Shaheen hadn’t done much blocking in college and as a rookie, he will still have a pretty large learning curb to adjust to. However, his natural athleticism will make him a situational red zone threat for Chicago this season.
Possible dark horses or long shots
Due to the moves made this offseason, it seems apparent that the Bears are ready to move on from Zach Miller. Due to his age and lengthy injury history, if Miller doesn’t have a strong preseason, then it’s likely the Chicago Bears will move on.
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Someone who could contribute to Miller’s dismissal could be third-year pro, Daniel Brown. Brown is athletic, young and has a lot of potential. Last season when given playing time, Brown hauled in 16 of his 20 targets, so I believe Browns play in the preseason will dictate his place on the team.
The Bears also have third-year tight end MyCole Pruitt and second-year player Ben Braunecker at the position. Due to the talent ahead of these two, each will likely be designated to the practice squad. Pending injuries though, each still does have potential to come in and contribute if needed.
Final thoughts
With the starting job up for grabs, anything is possible right now. Depending on how each player performs in the preseason we could see many scenarios. Miller can either perform well and retain his starting job or he can get out performed and not even make the team.
Based on the offseason moves, I believe Miller needs to really impress in order to retain his starting job. So pending preseason performance, I can see Sims becoming the starter. Miller could have a strong backup role. Since he’s been a leader at training camp, helping the younger guys, and mentoring Shaheen to help him develop and learn the position.
As a rookie with much to learn, Shaheen will probably only see limited playing time this season, likely mostly in red zone situations. Depending on Miller’s performance, Brown can make the team as the third option. But Pruitt and Braunecker will be designated to the practice squad.
Next: Previewing the Chicago Bears wide receivers
I don’t think anything is set in stone at the tight end position. The tight end position will be a fun battle to watch play out this preseason. I don’t think there are any poor choices here, it just seems to be a matter of whether Chicago is ready to move on from Miller or if he still has some gas left in the tank.