2. DON’T: Draft a tight end in the 2nd round
The Bears have been linked to tight ends in the NFL Draft since this process began. That’s what happens when your collective group of tight ends combines for 36 receptions, 416 receiving yards and just 2 touchdowns.
Tight end has been a big point of contention for the Bears this offseason. We’ve seen it with the addition of new tight ends coach Clancy Barone, the acquisition of Jimmy Graham, the release of Trey Burton and the rumor that Adam Shaheen is on the trade block.
Following the release of Burton, many believe it’s a given that Chicago will use one of their second-round selections to take a tight end. But the problem is, in a weak tight end draft class, there isn’t someone worth using a second-rounder on. The Bears have bigger needs than tight end, and they shouldn’t waste a second-round pick on a tight end.
So if the Bears really want to target tight end, they’d benefit from trading back and locking up an extra selection. Chicago could find a tight end with a third or fourth-round selection, where guys like Purdue’s Brycen Hopkins, Washington’s Hunter Bryant and Florida Atlantic’s Harrison Bryant are projected to land.