Chicago Bears: Tight ends have training camp buzzing so far

Throughout training camp thus far, the Chicago Bears have seen one position stand out more than others. The tight ends have come to play.

The tight end position was arguably the worst overall position for the Chicago Bears last season, in terms of production. One could fairly argue a couple of other positions. However, the Bears’ tight ends were historically and embarrassingly bad in 2019.

General manager Ryan Pace surprised many by signing veteran Jimmy Graham early on in free agency. Not only were fans surprised and (several) disappointed in strictly signing Graham the player, but the money was awfully high for the veteran.

A two-year deal worth $16 million for a player who is no where close to the Pro Bowl tight end he once was? That’s not the recipe fans were hoping for. But, Pace had something else in mind. He knew something many of us did not.

The Bears were not getting the Graham we saw the last couple of years with the Green Bay Packers; more on that later.

Following a mildly upsetting signing of Graham, Pace went out and spent his first pick in the draft on Cole Kmet, the top tight end in this year’s class. While many thought it was a tad high to pick Kmet, Pace stuck to his guns and brought in another weapon to add to the tight end group.

Fast forward to present day, and both of these guys have been tearing up training camp. They have been the talk of camp so far — which is shocking, considering the quarterback competition Chicago has going on.

Just what is everybody saying about Graham and Kmet? I can assure you, no one saw this coming.