Advertisement
Breaking News:

Scottie Scheffler detained by police en route to Valhalla GC

Bears 2022 training camp preview: Tight ends

alyssa barbieri
·4 min read

Chicago Bears training camp is less than a month away, which means it’s time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest.

We’re continuing with the tight end position, which experienced an overhaul this offseason following the departures of Jimmy Graham, Jesse James, J.P. Holtz and Jesper Horsted and an influx of new talent under general manager Ryan Poles.

Cole Kmet remains the only tight end on the roster from a year ago, where he’ll be the featured guy for the Bears offense. Kmet is coming off an encouraging second season, but he’s looking to finally break out in a pivotal Year 3.

Let’s take a look at the quarterbacks heading into training camp:

Cole Kmet

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Cole Kmet is entering his third season, where he’s expected to serve as the starting tight end for a second straight year. Kmet is coming off an encouraging sophomore season, where he saw his production double since his rookie year with 60 catches for 612 yards and no touchdowns. He was the second-leading receiver behind Darnell Mooney. But with Jimmy Graham out of the picture, Kmet figures to get more of a chance to contribute in the red zone.

Ryan Griffin

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Griffin provides some depth at the tight end position, where the expectation is he’ll serve as Kmet’s backup. Griffin is a 10-year veteran, where he’ll be able to bring leadership to a young tight end group. He’s served primarily as a backup tight end, but he’s seen his fair share of targets in that role throughout his career. Griffin is someone who can contribute as a pass catcher and in run blocking, and he should carve out a nice role for himself on offense.

James O'Shaughnessy

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

James O’Shaughnessy was another depth signing at the tight end position this offseason, and it’s not a surprise to find him in Chicago. O’Shaughnessy was drafted by the Chiefs when Ryan Poles was a college scouting director in Kansas City, so he’s familiar with him. O’Shaughnessy becomes the second homegrown Chicago native tight end — he grew up in Naperville and attended Illinois State University — joining Kmet. O’Shaughnessy factors in as the TE3, where he’ll have limited opportunities behind Kmet and Griffin. But he’s shown in the past that he can make due with limited reps.

Rysen John

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

The Bears claimed former Giants tight end Rysen John this offseason to join their tight end group. John was an undrafted free agent by New York in 2022, but he hasn’t played a professional game yet due to injuries. The top three tight end spots are all but locked down by Kmet, Griffin and O’Shaughnessy. But John has an opportunity to compete for a potential fourth tight end spot on the roster against a couple of undrafted rookies.

Chase Allen

Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Chase Allen signed with the Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent this offseason. The former Iowa State Cyclone played in 59 games, including 34 starts, during his career where he caught 74 passes for 810 yards and six touchdowns. Allen is a big-bodied tight end that projects as an in-line tight end at the pro level. While he faces a challenge of earning a roster spot among a room of veterans, Allen should be a prime contender for the practice squad.

Jake Tonges

USA Today Sports

Jake Tonges signed with the Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent this offseason. The former Cal Bear played in 41 games, including 23 starts, during his collegiate career, where he was considered the best receiver among the tight end group. He totaled 47 receptions for 620 yards and four touchdowns in four seasons. Like Allen, Tonges is a contender for a spot on the practice squad given the veteran group of tight ends on Chicago’s roster.

Training camp position previews

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

We’re unveiling our Bears 2022 training camp position previews, where we’re breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group.

1

1