January Edition

Usually by this time I’m working on my third first round mock and probably my second Bears full mock, but the Chicago Bears just had one of their most exciting seasons in recent memory, so I’ve been lagging behind on my mock drafts.

Being snowed in today, I thought it was a good time to do my first Bears mock draft. For the first time in years, the Bears aren’t picking in the top half of the first round. I’m also of the belief that this draft will be heavy on the defensive side of the ball.

With that being said, let’s kick it:

Round 1, Pick #25

Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State

Houston offered me a pretty attractive trade package to move down just a few spots, but I knew I’d miss out on McDonald if I took it, so I stayed put.

The Bears need help all along their defensive line. Gervon Dexter had a disappointing season. Grady Jarrett came on a bit down the stretch, but he’s clearly on the downside of his career, as is Andrew Billings, who had a decent season as Chicago’s primary early down run stuffer.

McDonald will be the replacement for Billings, perhaps as soon as year one. He’ll be the tone setter on the defensive line that the Bears sorely need.

Known more for his run defense than his pass rush, McDonald has the power and juice to be a force and help make life easier for the Bears primary pass rushers.

Round 2, Pick #57

Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Both Bears starting safeties, Kevin Byard & Jaquan Brisker, are free agents and there is a good chance at least one of them will not be back. My best guess is Byard returns while Brisker takes a bigger payday elsewhere.

Thieneman has a skill set that mirrors Brisker. He’s a stout run defender with better than average ball skills. He’s also position flexible as he has the ability to play nickel corner as well.

Replacing Brisker with Thieneman will allow Byard to continue playing the style of safety that earned him All-Pro honors this season.

Round 3, Pick #89

Taurean York, LB, Texas A&M

TJ Edwards fractured his fibula in the Wildcard game against Green Bay & Tremaine Edmunds could be a cap casualty. D’Marco Jackson showed some ability, but he needs to be re-signed. Linebacker is an under the radar need for the Bears.

York is undersized and will need to add some play strength at the NFL level, but he’s a smart and instinctive player. He’s been the defensive signal caller since his sophomore season.

York is equally adept at run defense and in coverage.

Round 4, Pick #129

Tyreak Sapp, EDGE, Florida

Lack of a consistent pass rush has been well noted in Chicago. Montez Sweat is good on one edge & Austin Booker has shown flashes but the Bears need to add more pass rushers.

I think they’ll address that in free agency, that makes this pick more palatable. Sapp is more of a stout edge defender against the run than he is a pass rusher, a lot like Dayo Odeyingbo. He fits the size profile that Dennis Allen prefers for his defensive ends, though.

As a fourth round pick, Sapp should be able to find an early down rotational role with the Bears defense.

Round 5, Pick #163

Aaron Anderson, WR, LSU

DJ Moore could possibly be traded to free up cap space, regardless the Bears could use depth at wide receiver.

Anderson has blazing speed and incredible after the catch ability. Smaller in stature, he projects strictly as a slot receiver, where he would back up Luther Burden III.

Anderson also offers return ability.

It’s never a bad idea to add LSU wide receivers.

Round 7, Pick #239

Drew Allar, QB, Penn State

The Bears are set at quarterback, Caleb Williams established himself as the franchise this season & Tyson Bagent is one of the better backups in the NFL, hence the Bears extended him before the season.

Bagent’s status as one of the best backup quarterbacks is exactly why the Bears taking a seventh round flyer on Allar’s upside is an extremely smart play. Bagent could draw significant interest from quarterback desperate teams.

Or, Ben Johnson can help Allar fix some of his issues and start to realize his vast potential and possibly drawing trade interest himself.

Round 7, Pick #241

Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

Roush could challenge Durham Smythe for the third tight end role. He’s a good blocker and a better receiver than Smythe.

He has the speed to run the seam routes that Ben Johnson seems to favor for his tight ends.