The Chicago Bears 2020 draft plans are likely focused on tight ends at this point. This isn't a surprise. That position has given them headaches for the better part of nine months. It started with Trey Burton and his mysterious groin issues before the playoff game against Philadelphia. Adam Shaheen made matters worse with his underwhelming play and health setbacks. Given how important this position is in the Bears offense, changes could be made next year.
With two 2nd round picks at their disposal, they may try to find themselves a difference-maker there. One name that could be on their radar is Brycen Hopkins. The Nashville, Tennessee native had hoped to attend Vanderbilt University but settled on Purdue. Since then he has become one of the most reliable receiving threats on their football team. Buzz is strong on him early in 2019, which offers high hopes for the draft next April.
Bears scouts already saw him up close during his recent game against Vanderbilt. So who exactly did they see? Here's his scouting report.
Chicago Bears 2020 draft outlook for Brycen Hopkins
Strengths:
- Athletic with favorable height (6'5) and a pair of reliable hands that don't seem to struggle when catching the ball.
- Comes off the line of scrimmage with suddenness. Has strong acceleration for his size.
- A willing blocker who doesn't just throw his body at defenders. Shows proper technique with good hands and sustains through the whistle.
- Does a good job of creating an advantageous position when blocking, often either walling a defender out of a running lane.
This play showcases how he can be so valuable. His blocking has earned the respect of the defense throughout the game. That's why when this play starts, they buy the fact he's staying in to block. Then he immediately slips out into the wide open space and sits down where the quarterback finds him. He makes the catch and rumbles into the end zone for a touchdown.
- Natural feel for finding the dead spots in zone coverage. Never gets lost in the traffic and creates space for himself.
- Lines up everywhere. Can flank out in the slot or slide in-line to create formation versatility.
- Able route runner. Decent speed and shows the subtle moves to set up defenders before his breaks, creating good separation.
- Outstanding concentration. Never loses his focus on the football which has led to numerous circus catches in his college career.
Weaknesses:
- On the thinner side for a tight end. Might not be strong enough to handle bigger NFL defensive ends as a blocker.
- Can sometimes get lost trying to make a block on the move, allowing defenders to slip past him for a tackle.
- Red zone presence hasn't been as strong as it should be. Just two touchdowns in 2018 and three in 2017.
Comparison: Greg Olsen
Watching the smooth way he runs, the natural hands, and the feel for coverages it will be hard not to have visions of the Carolina Panthers Pro Bowler. Hopkins may not be quite as fast as Olsen but he has the overall skill set to be that kind of weapon. He may never be known for his blocking, but he also doesn't get enough credit for it either. If a team is looking for a legitimate weapon in the passing game, this is the type they look for.
Projection: Round 1-2
Talents like this are all the rage in the NFL these days. Teams love tight ends who are threats in the passing game. The question of where he goes depends on how he finishes this season and performs at the scouting combine next year. If he does well on both counts, he could easily become a 1st round pick. Chicago should quietly hope he doesn't because he would make for a great fit in their system.
