Chicago Bears Draft: Evaluating tight end prospects

Round 7 Options

Donald Parham, Stetson

I know you’ve been waiting for it: The sleeper, small school prospect who is bound to intrigue Pace. Donald Parham is 6-foot-8 and incredibly athletic. He blew his last season out of the water as he obliterated FCS opponents. Parham finished 2018 with a whopping 85 receptions for 1,319 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is a raw prospect and would need to add some more muscle as a pro, but his athleticism and soft hands are undeniable. As a seventh rounder, Parham would be well-worth the gamble.

Zach Gentry, Michigan

Speaking of taller prospects, Zach Gentry is also 6-foot-8 but comes from a much bigger program in Michigan. He won’t overly impress you with his pass-catching skills, but offers a lot of promise as a blocking tight end. Last year, he caught 32 passes for 514 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Gentry may actually go undrafted, making him a priority free agent.

Kendall Blanton, Missouri

Last on the list is Kendall Blanton out of Mizzou. Blanton is someone who possesses a lot to like, but hasn’t put it all together quite yet. He’s 6-foot-6, 260 pounds and plays fast at times. He has experience playing in as a blocker or as an H-back and can also line up in the slot. He’s shown the ability to be a multi-dimensional tight end, but is more of a developmental product at this stage in his career.

The only guy worth the pick in this round, to me, is Parham. The other two may be worth a look if they fail to hear their name called, but if the Bears look at tight end this late, it has to be Parham. The potential is there and Nagy may be able to get the most out of a physical freak like him.