Kellen

Davis

He has just four catches on the year but does have two touchdowns. Even in a touchdown-heavy league, however, one would have to be desperate to consider Davis. Tight ends just don’t produce in Mike Martz’s offense.

“Great size, great in-line blocker, skilled enough of an athlete to be able to move outside and do some things,” said Smith. “I really like him.” The Bears intend to increase the tight end’s role in the passing game, and it sounds like they will make a strong push to re-sign Davis.

The 2008 fifth-round pick finally found a role as a receiver last season, hauling in 18 catches for 206 yards and five touchdowns. Davis is only an average blocker, but could see his market develop nicely thanks to his strong hands and above-average athleticism. Bears coach Lovie Smith is on the record as wanting Davis back in Chicago.

Davis caught just 18 balls for 206 yards a year ago. But now that Mike Martz is out as offensive coordinator, Davis’ role figures to grow significantly. New OC Mike Tice -- a former tight end himself -- is expected to utilize the position in the passing game. The 2008 fifth-round pick projects as the starter heading into the offseason program and a deep-league sleeper. He at least has intriguing athleticism at 6'7/262.

Chicago tight ends were an afterthought under Mike Martz, but Tice -- a former tight end himself -- has a track record of utilizing them heavily in the passing game as well as in run blocking. Underutilized free agent Kellen Davis, who is intent on catching more passes in 2012, could be persuaded to return as the starter under Tice.

A blocking specialist likely brought in at former OC Mike Martz’s behest, Spaeth no longer fits the offense. His $1.875 million salary can be used to re-sign Kellen Davis or make a push for a free agent such as Martellus Bennett.

Davis was wide open for his nine-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, which ultimately proved to be a garbage-time score. Davis shares time with Matt Spaeth and is not heavily utilized in the passing game. He won’t become a fantasy factor just because Caleb Hanie is now the Bears’ quarterback.

Davis was almost strictly a blocker in Mike Martz’s offense, catching 18 passes in 15 starts. “Of course, I want to catch more balls, but I did what I could with the opportunities they gave me,” he said. “I’ve got to see what happens.” The Bears could lure Davis back with an offensive coordinator change, of course, and Martz is tentatively not expected back in Chicago.

Spaeth concedes the exact role in the passing game is uncertain, but “as of right now, I would say yes, the tight end is going to be involved a lot more.” Spaeth calls starter Kellen Davis a “tremendous, tremendous talent” and a “freakish athlete” whose “best stuff is yet to come.” Davis’ role is a situation to monitor in training camp.

The 6'7/262 Davis had a chance to sign elsewhere in free agency, but was intrigued by his opportunity with the Bears now that Mike Martz is gone. “I’d like to have between 40-60 catches at least,” Davis said. “I’m hoping to get out there and put some numbers up. ... I get a lot of first reads on a lot of plays. So it’s all looking good for me right now.” There’s some serious sleeper appeal here thanks to Davis’ athletic skill set.