The Chicago Bears started their 2020 season with a 5-1 record, looking like a solid contender. They then went on to lose six straight games. However, they rallied back finishing the season 8-8 before losing in the first round of the playoffs. The bad thing about the Bears making the playoffs is they are now picking in the back end of the first round. The good news for the Bears is they actually have a first-round pick for the first time since 2018. Now let’s jump right into how the Bears should attack this year’s NFL draft.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 20: Christian Darrisaw, OT, Virginia Tech
This pick has been all over Bears trade rumors. Depending on how Ryan Pace chooses to attack the season will determine if they keep this pick or not. They could go all-in for a quarterback and use this pick as part of a trade package. Or they choose to keep it and build around what they have. If they keep it, offensive tackle should be their target. If Darrisaw falls to the Bears, he would be the perfect fit. He’s a day one starter and will instantly make this offensive line better. He’s a really good run blocker and that’s exactly what they need.
For more on Darrisaw, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 2, Pick 52: Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue
The Bears desperately need to add some skill players on offense. Outside of Darnell Mooney, their current roster is very thin at Wide Receiver. To make things even worse, the Allen Robinson contract situation is not looking very good. If they lose Robinson, they need to add a top receiver with one of these first couple picks. Moore showed that he can play on the outside and in the slot. As a Freshman with Purdue, he burst onto the scene with 1258 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. Injuries and initially opting out of last season slowed him down but that could work perfectly for the Bears if that causes him to slip in the draft.
For more on Moore, you can read our scouting report on him here.
Round 3, Pick 83: Shaun Wade, CB, Ohio State
The Bears cut starting nickel cornerback Buster Skrine and need to look for some potential replacements in this year’s draft. Wade could be just that for this defense. He struggled on the outside with Ohio State last year but in 2019 he was very good when playing in the slot. With Kyle Fuller and Jaylon Johnson locking down the outside Wade wouldn’t be the top corner like he was at Ohio State. That could be just what he needs to jumpstart his NFL career. If Wade doesn’t work out in the slot there has been a lot of talk about him making the move to Strong Safety a position the Bears are also in need of.
Round 5, Pick 163: Anthony Schwartz, WR, Auburn
This pick all depends on how free agency goes for the Bears. If they choose to not be aggressive in the receiver market, Schwartz would be an excellent pick at this pick. He can play on the outside, in the slot, and can even lineup at running back. He is a former track star and one of the fastest wide receivers in college football. If the Bears were able to pair Schwartz with Moore and Mooney their offense would have some serious speed in 2021.
Round 6, Pick 205: Malcolm Koonce, Edge, Buffalo
Could the Bears land another edge rusher from Buffalo? Koonce could join brothers Khalil Mack and Ledarius Mack in Chicago coming out of Buffalo. He is obviously nothing near the talent of Khalil but he would be a good development pass rusher in this round. He likely would not make an impact this season but he has good speed and showed that with his 14 sacks the last two seasons at Buffalo.
Round 6 Pick 219: Jermar Jefferson, RB, Oregon State
The Bears aren’t necessarily in the market for a running back because they have a potential star in David Montgomery and a very good chance of pace back in Tarik Cohen. However, we saw last year with injuries that depth is always a good thing. They could choose to add a veteran running back in free agency and or they can add some depth in the draft with Jefferson. He would be an excellent late-round flyer and would likely be another change of pace back. Jefferson is already familiar with Bears considering they just hired former Oregon St running back coach Michael Pitre to the same position.
Round 7, Pick 226: Naquan Jones, DT, Michigan State
The Bears will likely need to add some interior defensive lineman this season because there is a good chance they cut Akiem Hicks to save some money. Jones out of Michigan State is a former four-star recruit. He is a big body and his strength is in run stopping as he was only able to accumulate three sacks in his college career. However, pass rush is not much of a need for the Bears who have Mack on the edge. Jones is worth a late-round flyer and would provide some solid depth inside and could eventually develop into a solid run stopper.
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