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Burton could be special in Chicago

New coach should use tight end a lot more

It was overshadowed by some other signings, like Jimmy Graham in Green Bay, and the Bears' own signing of Allen Robinson. But I'm very interested in new Chicago tight end Trey Burton. I have a feeling he's going to be a big part of the offense this season.

Burton is a capable, athletic guy. He put up very good numbers whenever called upon to take on a leading role in Philadelphia (when Zach Ertz was sidelined for one reason or another). That happened six times in the last three seasons.

BURTON IN LEADING ROLE, 2015-2017
YearSiteNoYdsTD
2015at Det.2490
2016at Chi.5491
2016Pitt.2190
2017Den.2411
2017at Sea.4420
2017at LAR5712
Avg.3.3450.8
Proj.5372311

But also, the Bears' offense will now be overseen by new head coach Matt Nagy. Nagy was the offensive coordinator in Kansas City the last two years, and that team put up some of the very best tight end production in that time: No. 1 in yards, No. 2 in receptions from the position. Granted, they had one of the NFL's best players in Travis Kelce. But no reason to think Nagy's offense in Chicago (which was one of the worst for tight end production in those same two seasons) won't tap into that.

TE TEAM TOTALS, 2016-2017
TeamNoYardsTD
Kansas City215262014
New England177256620
Philadelphia239250019
Washington199227214
Indianapolis207215716
Tennessee177201915
LA Chargers172199422
Tampa Bay160192324
Seattle169191723
Carolina14018626
Baltimore214174010
Houston16817249
San Francisco125170513
NY Giants175165811
Buffalo14516279
Cleveland136157710
Minnesota164155416
Detroit14115538
Dallas148144510
Atlanta119143614
Oakland12914257
Pittsburgh132140010
Green Bay12013105
Arizona11012969
New Orleans11512888
Cincinnati122127514
Denver10312487
Jacksonville127123712
Chicago118121511
LA Rams10211236
Miami111107610
NY Jets806894

The Bears still have Dion Sims, but we'll see if that's still the case a few days from now. Overpaid and a bad free agent signing. They drafted Adam Shaheen in the second round a year ago, but he might fit better as a blocker; just 12 catches a year ago, and he weighs 270 pounds. He has some athleticism, but not like Burton.

It's not necessarily an ideal landing spot for Burton, but Nagy's presence and awareness of the impact a tight end can make on an offense make it a favorable one. I like his potential. Could be a big part of Chicago's game plans this season.

--Andy Richardson

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