Chicago Bears NFL Draft: Don’t ignore these late-round prospects

Tight End Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech

Currently, the Bears have enough tight ends under contract to line each one of them up as an entire offensive unit. That’s a bit much, but Pace is clearly wanting to find the best possible group he can.

Last year, Trey Burton took a step back due to questions about his health. If he’s back to 100 percent, he’ll be a solid option to start. Let’s not forget that. Next to him will be an older, yet motivated, Jimmy Graham, who recently signed a 2-year deal with Chicago.

There are a bunch of other names, but hopefully the Bears add a rookie to the mix. If they chose to do that later in the draft, Dalton Keene would be a great option.

The Virginia Tech product would bring one thing, above all else, to the Bears — versatility. In an offense like Matt Nagy’s, versatile tight ends are valuable, and Keene would provide exactly that type of player.

Keene lined up everywhere for the Hokies. He is experienced in starting out of the slot, in-line or the back field. He even functioned as a lead-blocking fullback at times.

Keene isn’t the most athletic guy on the field, but his effort is there. No matter what he’s doing, he’s putting his best foot forward and executing at the best of his ability. He wasn’t used as a focal point of the offense, so Keene’s numbers aren’t going to blow you away.

Over three seasons with Virginia Tech, Keene totaled 59 receptions in 27 games for 748 yards and eight scores. The 6-foot-4 tight end is projected to go right around the sixth or seventh round by many outlets.