Evan

Rodriguez

A versatile, 6-foot-2, 242-pound H-back type, Rodriguez was a two-time first-team All-MAC pick after transferring to Temple from West Virginia. A homeless man’s Aaron Hernandez -- the two are built very similarly and look a lot alike -- Rodriguez ran 4.57 at the Combine and averaged 12.6 yards per reception in his college career. He also has extensive special teams experience.

“What that does to a defense is it forces them to stay in more of their base (defense) instead of bringing in a nickel or sub-package personnel and match up with a straight-seam tight end,” Emery said. “We really believe that Evan provides that for us.” Rodriguez has drawn loose comparisons to Aaron Hernandez, but didn’t put up near the numbers Hernandez did in college despite playing against far lesser competition. Things are wide open in the Bears’ tight end corps, but Rodriguez shouldn’t be counted on for big rookie-year numbers.

Rodriguez hauled in 35 passes for 479 yards and two touchdowns as a senior, production that GM Phil Emery believes was limited by a lack of opportunities in Temple’s offense. The Bears view Rodriguez as a “move tight end” and H-back in the mold of Aaron Hernandez. His biggest rookie-season impact will likely come on special teams.

Rodriguez’s speed, hands and agility make him an intriguing long-term prospect for Dynasty owners. But as a rookie, he has a steep hill to climb. The Bears are committed to the athletic Davis as their primary tight end. Spaeth is the blocker.

Starter Kellen Davis and blocker Matt Spaeth are on top of the depth chart. Through three preseason games, the athletic Rodriguez has operated at tight end, H-back and as a special teamer. He has three catches for 49 yards.

New coordinator Mike Tice’s offense will use a second tight end, often as a lead blocker, in the base package. A favorite of NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell, Rodriguez is an athletic fourth-rounder out of Temple. Don’t look for fantasy value here; Jay Cutler doesn’t dump off to his fullbacks or tight ends.

Rodriguez is only expected to miss 1-2 weeks. The Bears worked out free agent FB Jacob Hester on Tuesday, but have not signed him. Tight end Kyle Adams can serve as a lead blocker this week.

A rookie H-back, Rodriguez earned lead blocking duties in camp. TE Kyle Adams is now leading the way for Michael Bush and Kahlil Bell. Rodriguez’s afternoon is likely through.

Rodriguez was a tight end at Temple and played the position in training camp. But he was turned into a fullback once the season came, lead blocking for Matt Forte. Now that Kellen Davis is struggling mightily in the receiving game, Rodriguez is back in the tight end mix.

It’s Rodriguez’s second arrest of the offseason. The first occurred in March on violence and disorderly conduct charges in Miami. Rodriguez was pulled over at 3:30 AM Friday. Charges were dropped following Rodriguez’s first arrest, but he’s on the roster bubble and trending in the wrong direction.