Matt Nagy and his coaching staff already proved last year they aren’t afraid to use players outside of their traditional positions. They used Akiem Hicks as a running back and Nick Kwiatkoski as a wide receiver. Is it really a huge stretch to think they might considering asking some players to make a permanent switch? That appears to be in the process of happening.
On the first roster listed for the Chicago Bears OTAs (Organized Team Activities), it was quickly revealed that two players were not listed at the same positions they were last season. The first was Taquan Mizzell. After being a running back in the scheme a year ago, he is now a wide receiver. The bigger shock though was Bradley Sowell.
A career offensive tackle since he entered the NFL, the Bears have shifted him to tight end. It’s a somewhat curious move given the importance of offensive line depth. It must signal they like what they have and feel has he more to offer as a blocking tight end who can also catch. He proved that much last year against the Rams.
Chicago Bears OTAs just got more interesting
The Sowell switch does make logical sense. Chicago doesn’t have anybody on the roster who could be called a blocking tight end. Rather than try to find one in free agency at this point, they decided to move a guy they know is a good athlete and can catch the ball well. It also signals they like what they see from Rashaad Coward as the primary swing tackle.
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As for Mizzell? His fate at running back was sealed when the Bears added Mike Davis, David Montgomery, and Kerrith Whyte in just under two months. With no room left there, they likely felt wide receiver was a bit more of an open competition that he could battle in. It was either that or get cut and try his hand elsewhere. He chose the former. Good for him.
