Chicago Bears NFL Draft: Player comparisons for tight end prospects

Alize Mack, Notre Dame

Player Comparison: Austin Hooper

One of my favorite sleepers in the entire draft, Notre Dame tight end Alize Mack has the potential to be a huge weapon in long-yardage passing situations.

Not a reliable three-down tight end by any means, Mack was very valuable in deep passing situations at Notre Dame, and the Bears could certainly utilize him in a very similar role.

The Bears have somewhat of a lack of deep passing threats, and Mack would give them just that as a third tight end.

Mack would also be a sixth or seventh round pick, so it would be worth taking a chance on a guy that can occasionally burn opponents for 30+ yard touchdowns.

One tight end in particular that has made a living off of long-yardage catches is Atlanta Falcons tight end, Austin Hooper.

Hooper was much more highly-touted out of college, going in the third round of the 2016 draft, but has not been a grit-and-grind tight end. Rather, Hooper has been a spectacular catch-and-run receiver, racking up long touchdowns throughout his young career.

Additionally, Hooper’s skill to make contested catches is very similar to that of Mack’s. If the Bears were to take a chance on Mack, they would be adding a legit weapon in long-yardage situations, as well as in trick play scenarios, which are a certain specialty in Matt Nagy’s offense.

Mack could flop considering his inconsistent track record, but who wouldn’t want a guy that can burn the opposing team for 50+ yards? I think Mack is a nice value add in the late rounds.