Chicago Bears: Early 2020 NFL Draft prospects to keep an eye on

2. TE Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt

Another tight end that is certainly worth monitoring, Jared Pinkney is another player that should be on the Bears radar for the 2020 NFL Draft. Additionally, he’s considered by some to be the second best tight end in the upcoming draft.

Pinkney’s biggest asset is his size, which is useful when it comes to playing against linebackers and safeties. He’s able to assert his will by boxing out defenders to win 50-50 balls. Over a four-year career at Vanderbilt, he’s caught 114 passes and has averaged 13.7 yards per reception.

While Pinkney can certainly be a factor in the passing game, the one area where he needs to improve is his ability to create for him in terms of yards after the catch. It’s critical that he improves on this because if he’s given some space to operate after the catch at the next level, he needs to know how to fully take advantage of it.

As of right now, Pinkney seems like he’ll be a day three pick. However, if he does well at Vanderbilt’s Pro Day and the NFL scouting combine, he’ll quickly rise up draft boards for multiple teams and could potentially hear his name be called in the second round. While he won’t be a high second-round pick, he could be selected in the later parts of round two meaning the Bears could potentially trade back to get him and thus acquire more draft capital while doing so.