Over the past couple of seasons, the Chicago Bears have been trying to find a tight end to pair with Cole Kmet to ease some of his workload. Last season, Chicago brought in Gerald Everett. Unfortunately, Everett underperformed due to coaching mismanagement and age.
That said, when the Bears hired Ben Johnson, he knew the team needed another tight end. That is why Chicago signed former Miami Dolphin Durham Smythe. Smythe and Johnson have a prior relationship due to their time together with the Dolphins. Even so, Johnson couldn't pass up the chance to take Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the No.10 pick in this year's NFL Draft.
Loveland's selection made Smythe the third tight end entering OTAs. However, that role may now be up for grabs after another tight end impressed during OTAs and mandatory minicamp.
Joel Wilson Could Take Durham Smythe's Job With a Strong Training Camp
Third-year tight end Joel Wilson stood out during spring practices, even catching Johnson's attention. Following the second day of mandatory minicamp, Johnson had this to say about Wilson.
"He’s got a little savvy in how he moves. He’s got a nice route feel about him. The test will really be when we get going in camp, how he holds up in the run game and the pass pro game. But so far in the running route section of tight end play, he’s stood out in a positive light."Ben Johnson
After those comments, Wilson went on to catch a few more touchdowns from Caleb Williams in the following practices. While that's a good sign, Johnson is right, the test for Wilson will be seeing the type of blocker he is. The main reason Smythe was brought to Chicago was for his blocking ability, so Wilson will need to prove to be good at that to make the 53-man roster.
According to scouts, coming out of college, Wilson was a willing blocker. Though that's a good sign, he will need to be more than a willing blocker to replace Smythe.
Wilson's emergence during OTAs and minicamp has set up an intriguing battle at the bottom of the depth chart to watch during training camp.