Just because I’m addicted to mock drafts and I’m already bored with the offseason, I thought I’d publish my first seven rounder for the Chicago Bears. A lot can change between now and the draft. We’ll have the scouting combine in Indianapolis, where player rankings will start to come into more focus. Then, there’s free agency where team needs will be clarified. Individual pro days will eventually lead to a more refined idea of what players teams are focused on.

For now, this is how I see the draft going for the Bears:

ROUND ONE, PICK #12

Kelvin Banks Jr, OT, Texas

The Cowboys came calling and I assumed it was for Ashton Jeanty. I think a first round running back is a luxury pick, one the Bears aren’t in a position to make yet, so I accepted the deal to move down two spots and added an extra third round pick.

To my surprise, the Cowboys passed on Jeanty and I strongly considered him here, given Ben Johnson’s use of the two back system in Detroit, but I still think the trenches are where they’ll focus.

I believe the Bears will add two interior offensive linemen in free agency, leaving a need for another guard. Tyler Booker is the top guard on my board, but the 49ers grabbed him with the previous pick. Looking at offensive linemen and edge rushers, Banks was the top player on my board.

Some believe that Banks will kick inside to guard in the NFL, which would be fine considering the Bears still have a need there, but I think he has the physical tools to stay at left tackle. Braxton Jones has been a serviceable left tackle, especially given that he was a fifth round pick, but Banks offers a much higher ceiling.

ROUND TWO, PICK #39

Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M

The Bears need a pass rusher to pair with Montez Sweat and I don’t think they’ll land a long term answer in free agency. Stewart is a freak athlete with the size to be a 4-3 defensive end in the NFL. Personally, I see him as a first round talent, but some inconsistencies in his game could push him into the second. If he’s there at number 39, the Bears have to pounce.

Stewart has dominant potential as an edge rusher if his minor inconsistencies can be cleaned up. He and Sweat could form a fearsome duo.

ROUND TWO, PICK #41

Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State

I have the Bears double dipping on the offensive line with one of my favorite players in the draft. Right now, Zabel is listed as a tackle, but I think he’ll find a home as a starting guard. He does give the Bears positional versatility as he’s excelled at all five positions across the offensive line.

ROUND THREE, PICK #72

Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky

The Bears stay in the trenches and add an absolutely massive human being to their defensive line. Walker has the size to be a run stuffer and the athleticism to be a disruptive interior pass rusher.

ROUND THREE, PICK #76

Kyren Lacy, WR, LSU

With the pick acquired from Dallas earlier, I have the Bears adding another weapon to Caleb Williams’ arsenal. Lacy is more of a big bodied, contested catch type receiver like Keenan Allen than the take the top off the defense type that the Bears currently lack, but LSU receivers have excelled in the NFL and I think Lacy will carve out a nice role for himself in a Ben Johnson offense.

ROUND FIVE, PICK #149

Malachi Moore, S, Alabama

The Bears have an underrated need at safety. Kevin Byard was fine, but his best days are behind him and he’s a potential cap casualty. I have concerns about Jaquan Brisker’s health given that he missed the last 12 games of the season recovering from a concussion.

Moore is a ballhawk and excels in coverage. He’s also a decent tackler, though not a physical thumper. He’s a liability as a box safety, but if Brisker is healthy he can fill that role.

ROUND SIX, PICK #204

Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa

The Bears have needed a secondary tight end for years, they’ve tried adding one in free agency but the results have been severely underwhelming. Lachey never reached the levels of production many thought possible and he’s an average blocker. He’s also an older prospect, but given Iowa’s strong track record of producing high quality NFL tight ends he’s worth a shot in the sixth round.

ROUND SEVEN, PICK #235

Devin Neal, RB, Kansas

Many Bears fans are probably eyeing a running back earlier in the draft, but I don’t think it’s as high a priority as most. Neal’s home run threat upside offers plenty of potential for a seventh round pick.

ROUND SEVEN, PICK #242

Jermari Harris, CB, Iowa

In the NFL, a team can never have enough depth at corner. Harris has limitations, but has shown sufficient ball skills to make him worth a late seventh round pick.

SYNOPSIS

If free agency goes the way I, and many Bears fans hope, Chicago will have completely revamped and vastly improved their offensive line in one offseason. Banks could be the long term answer at left tackle or, at worst, a high end starting guard. Zabel has starting potential and at minimum offers depth across the entire offensive line.

Stewart and Walker have the potential to significantly upgrade the Bears defensive front, making them a formidable unit.

Lacy and Lachey should both carve out roles in Ben Johnson’s offense, while Moore has starting potential.

Neal and Harris could add valuable depth if they can make the 53 man roster.

It’s worth noting that the Bears could gain an extra third round pick should Ian Cunningham land the general manager position in Jacksonville.