We’re a day away from the NFL draft, so it’s our last chance to play around with mock drafts before the picks really come off the board. The Bears have multiple needsー such as wide receiver, cornerback, and interior offensive lineー and currently have six picks to fill those needs. Ryan Poles could stand and fill multiple gaps or trade lower to create more draft capital. While it seems unlikely, we also can’t rule out the Poles acquiring a serious Impact player. In this mock we will see what could happen if the bears stay with all their picks. I also tried to select as many different players as possible among the three mocks. So if you want to familiarize yourself with more names before the draft really begins, be sure to click on the links above for the other scenarios.
TRADE: BEARS GET NO. 44, 99 BY BROWNS FOR NO. 38
After a big run on wide receivers, the Bears trade down, knowing they can still win an Impact player on defense despite retiring. You will get another top 100 selection.
NO. 44: ROGER MCCREARY – CORNERBACK
Kaiir Elam and Kyler Gordon are sent off ahead of the Bears’ pick but still get a new starting corner in McCreary. In Cover 2 defenses, as with Matt Eberflus, cornerbacks are often asked to play press coverage, and this is where McCreary excels. He’s physically near the line and doing a good job of staying tight with wide receivers. In scenarios where he plays a little off the line, he’s also shown good speed to close the gap and can leave his feet to break passes. Named All-SEC First Team in 2021.
NO. 48: QUAY WALKER – LINEBACKER
One of the best tacklers in the draft slips up and the Bears can’t resist. Walker has the speed required to play as a central defender in Matt Eberflus’ defense. He’s comfortable in zone coverage, which is also a must. Against the run, Walker can move sideways to avoid blocks and is often in play even when not making the tackle. He offers great depth on the inside behind Roquan Smith and Nick Morrow and the ability to develop into a starter later.
NO. 71: ALEC PIERCE – WIDE RECEIVER
The Poles find another starter in the third round. Pierce will instantly slide into the “X” position, giving Justin Fields the big aim he needs. Pierce is tall at 6ft 3in and he also has the highest vertical jump in the combined at 40.5in. He also has 4.41 speed. At the line, Pierce can beat press coverage with his hands and sudden pauses. Put all of this together and you have a serious, deep threat.
TRADE: BEARS GET NO. 102, 224, 247 BY DOLPHINS FOR NO. 99
With several intriguing OL options, the Bears are flipping the pick they received on Friday to add two round seven players.
NO. 102: KELLEN DIESCH – OFFENSIVE TACKLE
The risk of coming down pays off. Diesch is still there three picks later, giving the Bears another option in left tackle. The competition has started to decide who will protect Fields’ blind side. If Diesch wins, the Bears can look to put Larry Borom or Teven Jenkins on the right flank to further strengthen the line as well. Diesch gave up just three sacks and eight pressings in 568 pass-rushing snaps in college, according to the PFF. At 6ft 7in and 301lbs, he has the long, lean height that Poles want in O-linemen, too.
NO. 148: JOSH JOBE – CORNERBACK
At the NFL Owners Meetings, Matt Eberflus spoke of wanting “M&M” players, meaning guys who play “mean” and have an “engine.” Jobe definitely fits that bill. He’s aggressive, hits hard, and fights his way through the conclusion of the play. However, this aggressive nature can sometimes get Jobe in trouble as he has often been tagged for passing interference or penalty shootouts. Jobe is no Patrick Surtain, but he should join the long list of impact defensive backs in the NFL.
NO. 150: TYQUAN THORNTON – WIDE RECEIVER
The Bears get another wide receiver who could earn game time on the outside. Thornton played four years at Baylor, including a great senior season in which he caught 62 balls for 941 yards and 10 touchdowns. But he really blew people away by running a 4.28 40-yard dash in the combine. Thornton can use that speed to blow a spike out of defense, or score from midfield if he can find space. When marked well, Thornton has also shown he can catch contested balls with good bounce and depth. However, at just 181 pounds, the Bears will likely want Thornton to bulk up as a rookie.
TRADE: BEARS GET NO. 189, 230 BY COMMANDERS FOR NO. 186
The Poles slip back three spots again to add a third pick for round seven after entering the draft with none.
NO. 189: ERIC JOHNSON – DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Johnson has the size and explosiveness that Eberflus is looking for in a defensive tackle and also has experience with the three-pointer technique. He can pocket-bag from the inside to pressure the QB even if he doesn’t get the sack, and does well to raise his hand to hit passes off the line. Johnson also shows great motor skills and pursuit, sometimes coming back into play to attack the ball carrier from behind. However, Johnson will likely need an additional adjustment to the NFL game coming from FCS. However, with Justin Jones under contract for two seasons, the Bears have time to let Johnson develop.
NO. 224: DARON BLAND – CORNERBACK
After three seasons at Sacramento State, Bland moved to Fresno State for 2021. He has several physical attributes that can help him succeed in the NFL, namely a wingspan of 76 ¾ inches and a speed of 4.46. Last year, according to the PFF, he limited opponents to a 42% completion rate and a 63.2 passer rating when tackled.
NO. 230: BRAD HAWKINS – SECURITY
Hawkins is an excellent tackler and physically plays with receivers in pass coverage. He’s played deep in the box, as a slot corner, and also on the line, allowing the Bears to move him around the field if they wish. With 42 games in Michigan, Hawkins also has plenty of experience. But in all those games, Hawkins never came up with an interception.
NO. 247: WILLIAM DUNKLE – RIGHT GUARD
Dunkle thrives at runblocking, often winning his first block and then crushing another defender on the second level. He also plays with the physical advantage that the Poles want. But in pass protection, Dunkle can be put on heels and sometimes pick up stunters.
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