Bears Position Preview: Spotlight On Zach Miller At Tight End

By Chris Emma--

Editor's note: This is the fourth entry in a series of positional previews leading up to the start of Bears training camp. Find the rest of them here. 

(CBS) The Bears' move of tight end Martellus Bennett became necessary well before his trade to the Patriots in March.

Bennett's act had run its course in Chicago, and Bears management deemed it important to make the deal. In order for that to happen, the team needed assurances at the tight end position.

Zach Miller became a priority for the Bears when Bennett was on the way out. In free agency, Bears general manager Ryan Pace was quick to lock up Miller as his team's tight end, offering belief in his abilities and health.

The 31-year-old Miller had a breakout 2015 season for the Bears and -- more importantly -- one of mostly good health. After missing the three previous seasons with serious injuries, Miller missed just one game due to injury in 2015.

For the Bears to find offensive success in 2016, it'd be a huge help for Miller to stay healthy. While that can be said for many key players, the Bears are short on options at tight end.

Miller can be a go-to target for Jay Cutler and the Bears offense. If he's not on the field, then there are troubles.

Starter: Zach Miller

Prior to the 2015 season, Miller had just 45 catches in three seasons. Then came a career year in which he posted 34 receptions and five touchdowns.

Miller's feel-good story began with a highlight-reel catch in a Monday night win in San Diego, then continued with a two-touchdown performance in St. Louis. It didn't stop there, capping off with a seven-reception outing in Tampa Bay during Week 16.

The Bears believe that Miller is more than a one-year wonder. They signed him to a two-year deal this offseason, placing him as that top tight end spot.

"I've always felt like that's kind of been what my goal was," Miller said. "I'm confident in my abilities to do that. I'm just excited, grateful and happy to be here with this organization. Chicago is where I wanted to be. I'm glad that it worked out."

Cutler will look to rely on Miller as a sure-handed target. The Bears can only hope for good health.

Backups: Tony Moeaki, Ben Braunecker

There's definite intrigue behind Miller on the tight end depth chart.

The Bears piecemealed their way to options at tight end, signing the veteran Moeaki at mini-camp and bringing in the upside of Braunecker as an undrafted free agent.

Moeaki, 29, had his best season as a rookie in 2010, posting a career-best 47 receptions and six touchdowns. He recorded 33 catches the following season, then has followed with 11 since.

However, Moeaki impressed the Bears brass in camp, earning an invitation to training camp and the chance to prove himself. He could become an option in the passing attack.

As for Braunecker, the Bears were pleased he went undrafted, with the hope being he could emerge into a key role behind Miller.

"I want to make this team, I'm driven to make this team," Braunecker said. "I'm really thankful the Bears gave me an opportunity."

Reserves: Rob Housler, Khari Lee, Greg Scruggs, Gannon Sinclair, Joe Sommers

It will be interesting to see how the chips fall for the rest of the tight end depth.

Moeaki and Braunecker are being roughly projected as the backups, but Housler and Lee have the potential to stick on the active roster, too.

In Housler, the Bears retained an effective pass blocker -- something that's not the specialty of Miller. Lee is just 24 years old and a young player the Bears have taken a flier on.

One of the interesting stories to follow is that of Scruggs, who's a former defensive tackle who has dropped more than 20 pounds, down to 277. Last season, Scruggs had three tackles for the Bears.

Sinclair and Sommers will both fight to land on the Bears' practice squad.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.