The NFL Draft is just under a month away, and we here at ChiCitySports.com decided to put together a Chicago Bears mock draft. We will update it a few more times up until the NFL Draft.
Updated: 04/11
Round 1
Pick #14
Zack Pearson:
HaHa Clinton-Dix, S; Alabama
The Bears need help at several defensive positions and will take the best defensive player available at number 14. That player will be HaHa Clinton-Dix. After having awful safety play in 2013, it’s a must fix with this draft. Clinton-Dix is a playmaking safety who will help defend the passing attacks in the NFC North. At 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, Clinton-Dix is able to cover big receivers and make plays on the ball. His pass coverage skills are excellent and can be a ball-hawking safety that the Bears need.
Aaron Leming:
Darqueze Dennard, CB; Michigan State
On the surface, the Bears have two glaring needs going into this draft, defensive tackle and safety. Charles Tillman is coming back for what may be his final season, which leaves a void at the corner back position after this season; barring health. Enter Dennard. At a touch under six foot, he brings good size and physicality. Most, including myself say he is fit for more of a zone based defense, which the Bears will still use as their base coverage. Dennard is questionably the best pure defensive back in the draft and will also have the great opportunity to “red shirt” his rookie season and develop.
Round 2
Pick # 51
Zack Pearson:
Stephon Tuitt, DT; Notre Dame
While the Bears boosted their defensive line in free agency, it’s still a problem for the team. In comes defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt as the 51st overall pick in the NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 302 pound Tuitt will help clog the middle for the Bears and be a force in defending the run. If Tuitt falls to the Bears in the second round it would be a great value pick for a team looking to grab a three-technique tackle to replace Henry Melton.
Aaron Leming:
Deone Bucannon, S; Washington State
The team has added three new names at the safety position, highlighting that group is Ryan Mundy. Call me a skeptic because I’m simply not sold. Although, corner back could be a viable option here, the depth at safety really falls off after the second, maybe third round. Bucannon or Jimmie Ward are bound to be on the board, I’ll take Bucannon. Big, hard hitting, and versatile; Bucannon brings a whole new dimension to this defense and should be an impact immediately.
Round 3
Pick #82
Zack Pearson:
Phillip Gaines, CB; Rice
Gaines had one of the best performances at the NFL Scouting Combine and is figured to be a third-round prospect. The 6-foot corner back should be a target for the Bears if he’s available. The report on Gaines is that he has a knack for finding the ball and is physical when he plays in man-to-man coverage.
Kelcy Quarles,DT;South Carolina
At 6’4 and 300 pounds, Quarles has drawn many comparisons to fellow Bear, Lamarr Houston. Quarles notched 9 1/2 sacks at defensive tackle in 2012. While some say he production was due to extra attention on Clowney, I argue that he simply a produces and offers good size at the 3 technique. Another thought to take into account is that, Allen, Houston, Young, and Ratliff will all be drawing their fair share of attention just like Clowney did. Overall Quarles bring great value in the third round if he remains on the boards.
Round 4
Pick #117
Zack Pearson:
Jared Abbrederis, WR; Wisconsin
The Bears might look to add a wide receiver somewhere in this draft and this pick might be the spot. Abbrederis should be there in the fourth round and could provide some value to the Bears as their fourth receiver.
Aaron Leming:
Shayne Skov;ILB:Stanford
It’s no secret that two of the team’s starting linebackers this year, are set to become free agents at year’s end. Skov was a highly productive inside linebacker while playing at Stanford. He’s a great value in the fourth and at worst will provide the team with a legitimate starting middle linebacker next season. He’s also a good insurance policy if the often-injury, DJ Williams can’t make it through the season.
Round 5
Pick #144
Zack Pearson:
De’Anthony Thomas, RB; Oregon
Two offensive positions in a row in a defensive draft for the Bears? Yes, especially if Thomas is there. Some scouts have called Thomas the most explosive player in the draft and could provide tremendous value to the Bears offense if he’s there in the fifth round. The Bears are looking for a running back to replace Michael Bush and could also use Thomas on punt and kick returns.
Aaron Leming:
Dri Archer,RB/WR;Kent State
The Bears could go many different ways with this pick. Aaron Murray would also be a strong option if he remains on the board but I don’t think he lasts. CJ Fiedorowicz could be another option but with a few late options at tight end, it’s time to add a dynamic playmaker. Archer blew everyone away with his sub 4.3 speed at the combine. He was mainly an unknown going in but upon further review, he offers a change of pace option out of the back field, a return option, and most importantly, a vertical threat down the field as a receiver. A bit on the small size but he will not be expected to play full-time.
Round 6
Pick #167
Zack Pearson:
DeDe Lattimore; OLB; South Florida
The Bears are looking to get younger at the linebacker spot and Lattimore could provide some value as a late-round pick. He’s a high-motor guy who finds the ball and is good in dropping back into coverage. If Lattimore is there, he would be the right pick for the Bears.
Aaron Leming:
Aaron Colvin ,CB;Oklahoma
Colvin was a projected second/third round prospect before tearing his ACL in Senior Bowl practice. Colvin has ideal size at a touch over 6 foot and can play either in either coverage. Ideally, he might be a better fit as a zone corner, which should fit just well here. He will have to “red-shirt” his rookie year due to the injury bu once he comes back, he will be a very nice third corner until Jennings’ contract is up. This is a low risk/high reward pick with great value.
Pick #175
Zack Pearson:
Loucheiz Purifoy, CB; Florida
Purifoy is dropping in a lot of mocks and could be there for the Bears in the sixth round. He’s got great speed for a corner back and is good is press coverage. He struggles in zone at times which is something he will need to work on to be effective.
Aaron Leming:
Colt Lyerla,TE;Oregon
Consider this the “Marquess Wilson pick”. Some scouts have him labeled as “un-draftable”, most teams may have him off their boards but he’s worth the risk with the team’s last pick. Lyerla has had some off the field and locker room issues but nothing to the extent of an Aaron Hernandez. Take his issues out of the equation and you have a 3rd-4th round talent. Lyerla is 6’4 and on talent alone is a top five talent in this tight end class. The Bears desperately need another option behind Bennett and Lyerla gives them just that. The locker room is strong enough to handle this small case and could prove to be a big “steal” in this years’ draft.
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