Chicago Bears Draft: Get to know the team’s offensive UDFAs
By Ryan Sikes
The Chicago Bears elected not to take a tight end in the NFL Draft, but acted quickly in UDFA signing Ian Bunting out of the University of California.
The Chicago Bears were still a little thin at the tight end position after the NFL Draft was over, as they decided not to utilize a draft pick on one. However, they acted quickly, signing Ian Bunting who originally began his collegiate career at the University of Michigan.
Bunting is a Hinsdale, Illinois native and transferred from Michigan due to the emergence of Jake Butt. At the University of California, he had just 18 receptions for 195 yards. The Bears were on hand for his local pro day where he had a broad jump of 10′-1″, which would have been good enough for fourth best at the NFL Scouting Combine.
He could be a decent third or fourth tight end option, but based on his productivity, I think he would be a special teams player at best. That being said, Bunting has excellent size for a tight end, standing at 6′-7″ and weighing 252 pounds, so perhaps the Bears find a way to utilize his strengths.