KNOWYOUR BEARS: TIGHT ENDS

PART 3: Leading into training camp, the Sun- Times takes a closer look at each position

83

MYCOLE PRUITT Third year 6- 2, 258, Southern Illinois Acquired: Signed from the Vikings’ practice squad in Week 15 in 2016. Age: 25. NFL experience: 20 games ( three starts) in two seasons.

Background: A fifth- round draft pick by the Vikings in 2015, Pruitt played in 16 games and made three starts as a rookie ( 10 receptions, 89 yards, no touchdowns). He was cut by the Vikings in 2016 and signed to their practice squad. The Bears signed him to their 53- man roster in December.

The skinny: Pruitt is a good athlete with excellent lowerbody strength, which gives him the potential to be aboveaverage as a blocker and receiver. But he’s in a tough spot behind Zach Miller ( assuming he’s healthy), rookie Adam Shaheen and free- agent signee Dion Sims. Still, his versatility and H- back potential might make him the best option to keep around in case of an injury.

84

BEN BRAUNECKER Second year 6- 4, 255, Harvard Acquired: Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2016. Age: 24. NFL experience: 13 games ( two starts) in one season.

Background: Was signed to the practice squad after missing most of training camp with an ankle injury and was promoted to the 53- man roster in Week 4. Used mostly on special teams until Zach Miller suffered a season- ending injury, Braunecker caught four passes for 41 yards and no touchdowns as a rookie. His long play was a 14- yard catch against the Titans in Week 12.

The skinny: Braunecker took advantage of a weak tight- end group last season in the wake of Martellus Bennett’s departure to get an opportunity, but he’s in a little tougher here, especially if Miller is healthy. Despite his experience last season, he faces an uphill battle to make the roster, though he still will be eligible for the practice squad.

85

DANIEL BROWN Third year 6- 5, 243, James Madison Acquired: Claimed off waivers from the Ravens in Week 8 in 2016. Age: 25. NFL experience: 14 games ( four starts) in two seasons.

Background: Signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2015, Brown was promoted from the practice squad for the last six games ( one start) of that season and caught six passes for 64 yards. He was cut by the Ravens in Week 7 last season and signed by the Bears. He played in the final six games and had 16 receptions for 124 yards and his first NFL touchdown, a sevenyard pass from Matt Barkley against the Titans.

The skinny: Pending Zach Miller’s status, Brown will be in a dogfight with Ben Braunecker and MyCole Pruitt for the third or fourth tight- end spot. He’s the most productive of the three, but not by a lot. Still, he showed improvement in the offseason program and warrants a good look in camp and the preseason.

86

ZACH MILLER Ninth year 6- 5, 243, Nebraska- Omaha Acquired: Signed to a futures contract after the 2013 season. Age: 32. NFL experience: 58 games ( 27 starts) in eight seasons.

Background: A former college quarterback drafted in the sixth round ( 180th overall) by the Jaguars in 2010, Miller had 41 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons but missed most of the next four seasons with injuries, including his first season with the Bears in 2014. He outperformed Martellus Bennett in 2015 ( 34 catches, 439 yards, five touchdowns) and was having an even- bigger 2016 ( 47 catches, 486 yards, four touchdowns) when he suffered a season- ending foot injury in Week 11.

The skinny: The Bears signed Dion Sims to a three- year, $ 18 million contract ($ 10 million guaranteed) and drafted Adam Shaheen in the second round. If Miller is healthy, he could be a much- needed safety valve for quarterback Mike Glennon, but he probably needs to have a really good camp to stick.

87

ADAM SHAHEEN Rookie 6- 6, 277, Ashland ( Ohio)

Acquired: Second- round draft pick ( 45th overall) in 2017. Age: 23. NFL experience: None.

Background: A two- sport star in high school, Shaheen played basketball at Pitt- Johnstown because that was his only scholarship offer in football or basketball. He transferred to Ashland as a walk- on and became a Division II sensation as he grew to 6- 6 and 277. Led all NCAA tight ends in receptions in 2015 ( 70 catches, 803 yards, 10 touchdowns) and set a Division II record for touchdowns in 2016 ( 57 catches, 867 yards, 16 touchdowns). Turned pro with a year of eligibility left.

The skinny: Shaheen will need to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but the Bears expect his skills to be universal— soft hands, hand- eye coordination, ability to win jump balls, competitiveness, run- after- catch— and are counting on him to be a contributor as a rookie. He seems to have the temperament to handle this.

88

DION SIMS Fifth year 6- 4, 271, Michigan State Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2017. Age: 26. NFL experience: 56 games ( 22 starts) in four seasons.

Background: A fourth- round draft pick ( 106th overall) in 2013, Sims was an effective in- line blocker in four seasons with the Dolphins. He was a bigger factor in the passing game last season ( 26 catches, 256 yards, four touchdowns) than in his first three. The Dolphins were interested in re- signing Sims, but the Bears’ three- year, $ 18 million offer ($ 10 million guaranteed) was too rich for their blood.

The skinny: Sims should fill the Bears’ need for a blocking tight end. And he’s a good enough athlete— an all- state basketball player in high school who dabbled in hoops at Michigan State— to be a threat in the passing game. He doesn’t have the intrigue of Adam Shaheen, but his role can’t be underestimated in this offense.