Combine Tight End Can Solve Ben Johnson’s Bears Personnel Shortage
As the NFL Scouting Combine approaches, the Chicago Bears are carefully evaluating their roster and looking for ways to improve under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and head coach Matt Eberflus. With the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Bears have the opportunity to make a major splash in addressing their roster’s biggest needs, especially in the passing game.
One position that stands out as an area of focus is tight end. Chicago has struggled to find consistency and production from the tight end spot in recent seasons. This year, with the emergence of young quarterback Justin Fields and the need to surround him with playmakers, adding a dynamic tight end could be exactly what the Bears need to solve a major personnel shortage in their offense. The Combine provides a platform for the Bears to evaluate several high-potential tight ends who could address this gap and help develop a more balanced offensive attack.
Why Tight End is a Key Position for the Bears
The tight end position is critical for any offense that wants to be dynamic in the modern NFL. With the rise of pass-catching tight ends who can stretch the field, block in the run game, and create mismatches in the passing game, the position has evolved into a hybrid weapon. For the Bears, finding a tight end who can play all three roles is essential, especially with a young quarterback like Justin Fields, who needs reliable targets.
In 2022, the Bears’ tight end group was one of the weakest in the NFL. Cole Kmet, while a solid blocker and occasionally a reliable target in the red zone, wasn’t enough to truly diversify the offense. The Bears’ lack of a dynamic tight end meant they struggled to exploit mismatches against defenses that were able to key in on their receivers. Chicago could certainly benefit from adding a talented tight end who can help Fields develop and open up the offense.
Furthermore, tight ends are crucial in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system, which is known for its emphasis on creating mismatches and utilizing tight ends as both blockers and receiving threats. Johnson’s ability to scheme around tight ends to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties could significantly enhance the Bears’ offensive versatility.
The Tight End Prospects to Watch at the Combine
Several top tight end prospects are expected to participate in the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, each bringing unique skills to the table. The Bears will be evaluating these prospects closely, as the right addition could be the missing piece to solve their personnel shortage and help Fields take the next step in his development.
1. Michael Mayer (Notre Dame)
Michael Mayer is widely considered the top tight end in the 2023 draft class. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 249 pounds, Mayer has the perfect blend of size, athleticism, and route-running ability to succeed at the next level. Known for his strong hands, ability to create separation in the middle of the field, and solid blocking skills, Mayer would be a perfect fit for an offense looking to add both a reliable red-zone target and a dynamic option in the passing game.
Why the Bears are interested:
Mayer’s ability to play all three downs—blocking in the run game, catching passes, and providing red-zone production—makes him an ideal fit for the Bears’ needs. His combination of physicality and receiving ability would help give Justin Fields another weapon to rely on. Mayer’s versatility would be a tremendous asset in an offense looking to create mismatches in the passing game, particularly as the Bears seek to improve their passing attack.
2. Darnell Washington (Georgia)
Darnell Washington is a massive tight end prospect, standing at 6’7” and weighing 264 pounds. Known for his exceptional blocking skills and his ability to be a force in the run game, Washington is an intriguing prospect. While he’s primarily known for his work as a blocker, he also has the athleticism and size to be a significant weapon in the passing game. Washington was part of one of the most successful offenses in college football at Georgia, where his size and blocking ability were pivotal in opening up running lanes.
Why the Bears are interested:
Washington’s combination of blocking prowess and potential as a pass-catcher makes him a particularly valuable prospect. The Bears have struggled in both their blocking game and their passing attack, so adding a player like Washington could be a game-changer. If the Bears want to commit to improving their running game while also adding a player with red-zone potential, Washington would be a great option.
3. Dalton Kincaid (Utah)
Dalton Kincaid is another standout tight end prospect, particularly known for his ability as a receiving option. Kincaid is a smooth route runner with exceptional hands, and he has proven to be a highly productive pass-catcher at Utah. While not as physically imposing as Washington, Kincaid is an excellent athlete with the ability to stretch the field and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
Why the Bears are interested:
Kincaid’s ability as a receiving tight end would provide Justin Fields with a downfield weapon and a reliable target over the middle. The Bears need more options in the passing game, and Kincaid’s high ceiling as a pass-catching tight end makes him an ideal candidate to help elevate the offense. His potential to develop into a true seam-stretching threat could be the boost the Bears need to balance their attack.
4. Luke Musgrave (Oregon State)
Luke Musgrave is an intriguing tight end prospect who brings great athleticism to the table. At 6’6” and 250 pounds, Musgrave has great size and speed, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Although he was limited by injury during his final season at Oregon State, Musgrave’s potential is undeniable, and his athleticism will likely turn heads during the Combine.
Why the Bears are interested:
Musgrave’s combination of size and speed could be a valuable asset in Matt Eberflus’ offense. The Bears need more athletic pass-catching options, and Musgrave’s ability to stretch the field and create mismatches in the passing game could significantly improve the Bears’ offensive scheme. If Musgrave performs well at the Combine and proves he can stay healthy, he could be a great addition to a tight end group that lacks a true playmaker.
5. Tucker Kraft (South Dakota State)
Tucker Kraft is a lesser-known but highly talented tight end prospect who is beginning to garner attention in the pre-draft process. Kraft is a physically gifted athlete who stands at 6’5” and weighs 254 pounds. He combines excellent hands with the ability to make plays after the catch, making him a dangerous weapon in the passing game. His size and athleticism allow him to be a strong blocker as well, making him a complete tight end prospect.
Why the Bears are interested:
Kraft has the tools to develop into a reliable, all-around tight end who can contribute immediately. With the Bears needing help at both tight end and other positions on offense, Kraft could be an affordable, high-upside option. His combination of blocking and receiving ability would be a great addition to the Bears’ offense.
How a Tight End Can Solve the Bears’ Personnel Shortage
Ben Johnson’s system requires versatility and adaptability, and a dynamic tight end could go a long way in solving the Bears’ personnel shortage. With a player who can block in the running game, stretch the field as a pass catcher, and provide a big target in the red zone, the Bears’ offense would become much more balanced. Tight ends like Mayer, Washington, Kincaid, Musgrave, or Kraft could be exactly what the Bears need to complement Justin Fields and elevate their offense to the next level.
Adding a talented tight end would not only provide Fields with another weapon, but it would also help open up the offense, giving opposing defenses one more thing to worry about. Whether it’s a player with elite blocking skills or a dynamic pass-catcher, the right tight end could help solve many of the Bears’ offensive issues.
As the Combine continues, all eyes will be on these prospects, and the Bears will be closely watching to see who can make an impact and contribute to the future success of the team.