As the NFL draft nears, we're taking a 10-day, position-by-position look at what's out there and what the Bears need. Here's our assessment at tight end.
Bears status
The Bears guaranteed Trey Burton $18 million on a four-year, $32 million deal last month, rolling the dice on the versatile tight end's long-term potential. Both general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy have already expressed excitement for the dimension Burton can add as a pass catcher. Now comes a quest to learn more about Nagy's vision for Adam Shaheen and how last year's second-round pick will be best used in the new offense. Shaheen's Year 2 development is a big deal. To accelerate a return to relevance, the Bears need their high draft picks to emerge as significant contributors.
Level of draft need
Low: A year ago, the need here was undeniably high. But now with Burton, Shaheen, Dion Sims, Daniel Brown and Ben Braunecker in the mix, the Bears have as much depth and competition at tight end as they've had in years. There is no pressing urge to address the position in the draft, but with a best-player-available philosophy Pace will keep his eyes open.
Top prospect
Hayden Hurst, South Carolina
6-4, 250 pounds
Worth a look: Once a pitcher in the Pirates' minor-league system, Hurst's baseball career derailed when he developed the yips and literally lost his fastball. But he found new life in a new sport at South Carolina and seems likely to be a first-round pick. Hurst prides himself on being a sure-handed target and plays with intensity and enthusiasm. His combination of size and speed is impressive.
Stay away: Hurst will turn 25 in August, which makes him a graybeard among rookies. He'll also need to develop his route-running skills at the NFL level.
Intriguing options
Mark Andrews, Oklahoma
6-5, 256 pounds
Worth a look: Andrews took advantage of his opportunities in the Sooners' up-tempo spread offense, totaling 958 receiving yards and eight TDs in 2017. He's crafty as a route runner, productive after the catch and a real red-zone threat.
Stay away: Andrews needs to become more aggressive and willing as a blocker. He'll also need to prove he can produce against more athletic defenders in the NFL.
Troy Fumagalli, Wisconsin
6-5, 247 pounds
Worth a look: Born with only four fingers on his left hand, Fumagalli became an All-Big Ten tight end with 135 catches, 1,627 yards and seven touchdowns during his time in Madison. A product of Waubonsie Valley High School, his passion is a plus and he prides himself on being reliable as both a pass catcher and blocker.
Stay away: Overall, Fumagalli is a little thin and has ordinary athleticism. He won't always pass the eye test with his fluidity.
Durham Smythe, Notre Dame
6-5, 257 pounds
Worth a look: As an intriguing Day 3 possibility? Perhaps. Smith is a rugged inline tight end who could boost the Bears' running game as a blocker. He shows solid technique and admirable physicality. He's also a hard worker known for being steady every day.
Stay away: Smythe will never offer much as a pass catcher as he's not fast enough to create separation at the NFL level. He had only 28 catches for 281 yards during his career with the Fighting Irish.
Sleeper
Tyler Conklin, Central Michigan
6-4, 240 pounds
Worth a look: Conklin spent his first year of college as part of the basketball program at Northwood University in Michigan. His hardwood talents are obvious with his body control and ball skills. He's also reliable as a run blocker.
Stay away: Conklin had surgery last August to repair a broken bone in his left foot. He missed last season's first five games and it was hard to know how much the injury limited him after his return. His dad is a Bears fan, but Conklin admitted that allegiance wasn't shared: "I think I (became) a Packers fan just to make him mad."
Twitter @danwiederer
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