Chicago Bears Draft: Evaluating tight end prospects

Round 3 Options

Jace Sternberger, Texas A&M

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The 6-foot-4 Jace Sternberger caught 10 touchdowns and finished with over 800 receiving yards last year at Texas A&M. He will certainly earn his living as a receiver in the NFL. Sternberger is a great route runner with above average acceleration down the field. He is a bit undersized in terms of lacking strength, but as a go-to receiving tight end, he’d add yet another weapon to the Bears’ offense.

Dawson Knox, Ole Miss

Looking simply at numbers from last year, one may not be blown away by Dawson Knox. However, his potential as a pro is quite huge. Knox stands 6-foot-4 and boasts quick feet, with better speed than the average tight end. He is a former high school quarterback, so he understands what ideal route-running looks like and would be yet another trick play candidate. Last season with Ole Miss, Knox averaged nearly 19 yards per reception — the only real eye-popping number, seeing as he only caught 18 passes.

Kaden Smith, Stanford

Unlike a lot of these guys in this year’s class, Kaden Smith is more of a blocking tight end. He will not blow you away with his speed or receiving prowess, but he’s a guy who will simply catch the football when called upon. Moving down field at a fast pace isn’t necessarily his strong suit, but Smith is one of those “Mr. Reliable” type of tight ends. He’d be a great blocker within the offense and someone Trubisky could count on when he needs to be bailed out on a key down.