5 bold Chicago Bears predictions for remainder of the offseason
By Ryan Heckman
5. Undrafted free agent Chase Allen makes the Chicago Bears’ 53-man roster
One of the positions that will be incredibly interesting to watch as the offseason unfolds is at tight end. The Bears truly only have one guaranteed roster spot here, in Cole Kmet. Signing veteran Ryan Griffin was a solid move, and he very well could become the number two tight end. But, nothing is set in stone.
The Bears also have free agent acquisition James O’Shaugnessy and preseason darling Jesper Horsted returning to the roster, and there are many who believe Horsted should be given a bigger chance to contribute. All he’s done is make big plays when he’s been put on the field, regardless of preseason play or not.
An undrafted free agent out of Iowa State, Chase Allen is one of those pass-catching tight ends who can make moves after the catch and get upfield quickly. He is almost reminiscent of a Zach Ertz type. He’s not too flashy, but he knows how to catch the football and move the chains.
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Allen is listed at 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, so he’s really like a big wide receiver playing tight end. He hasn’t been the focal point of Iowa State’s offense, so Allen has not gotten enough chance to shine. He’s only topped out at 26 receptions for 284 yards (last year) as his career-best. However, his skill set could translate well to a team wanting to get more creative. He could give the Bears some great depth at the no. 3 tight end.