The Chicago Bears are typically good about keeping their interest in players close to the vest when it comes to the draft. Sometimes though it seems like one name constantly comes up over the course of months. This year it seems that player is Brycen Hopkins. A tight end out of Purdue, he has now met or talked with the Bears on three separate occasions. First at the Senior Bowl in January, then again at the scouting combine in February.
Now according to Adam Jahns of The Athletic, he conducted a video interview with them as an official top 30 “visit” due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. This doesn’t guarantee anything. Still, it’s hard to see this and not think the Bears might like him a lot. It’s not hard to understand why either.
Tight end has been a big problem for them over the past five years. Despite signing Jimmy Graham in free agency last month, nobody can say the position is suddenly a team strength. Hopkins is the type of talent that seems to fit their offensive philosophy well.
Hopkins would give the Chicago Bears another weapon
Opinions on Hopkins really do vary in the draft community. Some out there like him a lot while others think he isn’t worth much. So what exactly would he bring to the table? Joe Marino of The Draft Network detailed where his strengths are, comparing him to Jared Cook.
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“While his hands must become more consistent, Hopkins profiles nicely as a receiving threat at the next level. His route running skills are advanced and he has excellent ball skills. While he lacks the mass and power to be an impact blocker, Hopkins demonstrates great effort and brings the fight on every rep.”
The Matt Nagy offense, like any system, has certain positions it likes to run through. Tight end is a huge one in this case. Look at Philadelphia and Kansas City who run similar schemes. They have Zach Ertz and Travis Kelce. Two legitimate weapons. The Bears are trying to find their own version. Now Hopkins might not be on their level, but he’s a capable pass catcher.
After last season, they’ll take as many of those types as they can find.
