New coaching staffs bring new parameters to a roster. It is inevitable. GM Ryan Poles likely knew that was coming when head coach Ben Johnson arrived. Positions that may have appeared relatively settled are now anything but. The obvious question was which one would it be for Johnson? It appears we may have an answer. It was already known the Bears would focus on helping their offensive and defensive lines. Running back was also certain to get some action after the team finished 25th in rushing.
However, it appears another spot is getting way more attention than people realize. That is tight end. Based on a recent update, the Bears have been active in meeting with several of the top names at the scouting combine, including projected 1st round pick Tyler Warren. Four names surfaced, which means there are probably even more that have gone unreported. As things unfold, it becomes increasingly difficult to believe the Bears won’t target a tight end in the draft.
Probably sooner than many people expect.
Ben Johnson features the tight end position highly.
That was obvious from his time in Detroit, where he helped turn 2nd round pick Sam LaPorta into a Pro Bowler. People will immediately argue that Chicago already has a tight end. Cole Kmet has shown every year he’s a good player. This is true. However, T.J. Hockenson was a good player too. That didn’t stop Detroit from trading him shortly after Ben Johnson took over as offensive coordinator. This doesn’t mean the Bears plan to do the same thing with Kmet, but it offers an idea that he might not fit the exact vision of what Johnson likes in his tight ends.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Couple that with the widespread belief that this 2025 class is rich in the position, and it becomes easier to see the Bears drafting somebody. Don’t forget they already released veteran Gerald Everett, so depth is also a concern. All the signs are there.
