The Chicago Bears' head coach, Ben Johnson, has a penchant for tight ends, and it seems he might be at it again. With three draft picks already invested in the position, including a 2nd-round pick in 2023 (Sam LaPorta) and a 1st-round pick in 2025 (Colston Loveland), the team's interest in adding another tight end is evident. The latest buzz suggests they are showing considerable interest in Utah tight end Dallen Bailey, who is projected to go in the 5th or 6th round. This move would be in line with Johnson's preference for players with strong pass-catching and blocking capabilities, which both Loveland and Kmet exhibit. However, the Bears' interest in Bailey is not the only one; the Saints and Lions have also expressed significant interest in Utah TE Dallen Bentley. Bentley, a former JUCO transfer, had a breakout year last season with 640 yards and six touchdowns, and his skill set is similar to Kmet's, making him a versatile weapon. The Bears' decision to let Durham Smythe go, who filled the third tight end slot last season, suggests they are actively looking for options in the draft. With seven picks in the draft, but only three on day three, GM Ryan Poles is likely to do some maneuvering to increase the number of picks, especially in the 5th and 6th rounds. Bentley is projected to go in that range, and with Johnson's preference for players with strong pass-catching and blocking capabilities, adding three such tight ends could be beneficial. The Bears are already among the NFL leaders in 12 personnel (two tight end) usage, and Johnson may wish to lean into the rare 13 personnel (three tight end) area. This move would be a strategic one, as it would allow the team to maximize the potential of their tight ends and potentially improve their offensive performance.
