Bears Should Draft WR-TE Hybrid Chase Claypool After Cutting Trey Burton

The Chicago Bears surprised fans on Friday night when they released former high-priced free agent acquisition Trey Burton. The former Eagle has struggled to stay healthy in the Windy City in 2019, so such a move wasn't without reason.

The Bears signed Jimmy Graham this offseason, meaning there's an open slot in any two TE splits. Rather than waste a pick on a blocking tight end, or signing any player in free agency who could very well be a liability in the passing game, Chicago should just draft Chase Claypool. He's the best of both worlds and could easily take over for Graham in case he leaves after 2020.

Claypool had experience at both wideout and tight end in South Bend. Brian Kelly saw his pro potential and put him in the best position to succeed.

The 6-5 behemoth would thrive in Matt Nagy's offense, as he'd be featured often in the passing game, and as a hidden cog in two TE sets. Claypool is a good enough blocker to hold his own on run plays, and if the Bears sneak him out on the flat in play-action passes. he'll be an elite weapon for Mitchell Trubisky or Nick Foles.

Claypool is a likely Day 2 pick, and the Bears could be a prime position to select him in the second- or third round, should they choose.