This question comes up every year and the answer is usually obvious. What is the most concerning position on the Chicago Bears’ roster? Almost always it’s the same answer. Quarterback. However, for the first time in ages, one can safely argue that is no longer the case. Andy Dalton is a serviceable veteran with three Pro Bowl trips. Justin Fields is a 1st round pick with loads of potential. Nick Foles is a former Super Bowl MVP. That is a pretty deep group.
So if not there, where should the team feel somewhat nervous about their talent situation? There are some contenders. Wide receiver remains a spot that looks okay on paper but is unproven. Allen Robinson is really good. Darnell Mooney showed a ton of potential as a rookie. Beyond them? Not a lot to feel comfortable about. Cornerback is another spot. They lost Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine. Jaylon Johnson was solid as a rookie but has shoulder issues. Desmond Trufant hasn’t stayed healthy the past few years. After that, it’s a bunch of maybes.
However, the position that offers the most concern is elsewhere.
That being tight end. The Bears did nothing this offseason to enhance the depth at the position. In fact, it got a bit thinner with the departure of Demetrius Harris. Right now it is a two-man position with Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet. That is fine for the most part. Unfortunately, Graham turns 35 this year, and his explosiveness as a receiving option is long gone. This puts a ton of pressure on Kmet to take a big step forward in his second season.
This isn’t even addressing the issue of depth. If one of those two were to get hurt, the Bears’ options are limited at best. As of now J.P. Holtz, Jesper Horsted, Darion Clark, and undrafted rookie Scooter Harrington are the guys they’d look to in that situation. Not the most inspiring group to say the least. Holtz has played the role of a fullback more than tight end. Clark is a converted basketball player. Harrington made just 17 catches total in four years at Stanford.
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Chicago Bears are relying a lot on faith with this
Graham had a solid 2020 season with nine touchdown catches. Can he duplicate that? Maybe but age catches up to everybody in the NFL. Kmet can absolutely take the next step but there is no telling if he will. His late surge as a rookie was a welcome sign of hope. Yet not quite enough to trust he is suddenly going to morph into a George Kittle or Travis Kelce-type weapon.
It is nice the Chicago Bears are willing to sit back and let his development unfold. It is a sign they believe in his ability. Still, it would be nice to have a little more insurance. There are still some viable options out there who would make decent #3 guys. Former Pro Bowler Tyler Eifert for one. Jesse James and Luke Willson being two others.
Even Trey Burton might be a worthwhile investment if he takes the minimum.
With this team moving to a 17-game season, attrition to the roster will be more prevalent than ever. This is where depth can prove so vital to team success. The Bears have done a good job in several areas with that. Tight end is not one of them. Maybe they get lucky with Graham and Kmet playing the entire year, but history says it might not be wise to take such a gamble.