Chicago Bears 2017 Mock Draft: Best Player Available

By foxsports
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Nov 5, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive end Derek Barnett (9) during the first quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears know that the 2017 NFL draft could be the decisive turning point for their fortunes after six long, luckless seasons.

Injuries have marred their ability to examine where the roster is currently at in terms of progress. Thus GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox might have to make a few adjustments in order to get things on track. The quarterback position being one with Jay Cutler likely done. Further additions on defense and the offensive line are also called for. It’s a matter of prioritizing and which players will be the best available.

How does it play out this time?

1st Round

1

Derek Barnett

DE, Tennessee

Derek Barnett doesn’t get the same hype as others but he’s more productive than anybody in the class. He’s got 32 sacks in his college career, tying the school record set by the great Reggie White. This also being done against largely SEC competition. Barnett has sharpened his teeth against the best, which means the jump to the NFL should not scare him. He’s big, strong, quick, flexible and understands how to use his hands to beat blockers. This could be the young star the Bears have waited for.

Nov 12, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes II (5) looks to pass against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the first half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Round

2

Patrick Mahomes

QB, Texas Tech

Texas Tech standout Patrick Mahomes would be the ideal solution. Some already feel he has a chance to crack the 1st round and with good reason. He’s a tremendous athlete with size and a cannon arm. He also demonstrates surprising touch and accuracy on pass, able to throw from different angles. On top of that he has a natural instinct for keeping plays alive using his legs. The problem is he’ll be pigeonholed as a gimmick QB who was trapped in a spread offensive system. That’s why he falls to the 2nd.

3rd Round

3

Chidobe Awuzie

CB, Colorado

Chidobe Awuzie is good at his job. Colorado has experienced a strong season in 2017 and the athletic cornerback is a big reason why. He’s got the skill set befitting a true cover corner from the size and length to the speed and fluid agility. He plays a tough, physical brand of football not only with receivers but also as a tackler and blitzer. Leave him on an island or send him after the quarterback. He has the capacity for anything.

Sep 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; USC USC Trojans offensive tackle Chad Wheeler (72) in action during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium. Alabama defeats USC 52-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

4th Round

4

Chad Wheeler

OT, USC

Chad Wheeler got off to an unfortunate start in 2016 due to some health problems. However, since getting healthy he has really had a good season for USC. He’s big, long frame and athletic footwork have made him an excellent pass protector since becoming a starter. He may have to add a little weight to better handle the NFL level but there is no doubt he has the physical chops to play with the big boys, either on the right or left sides.

4th Round (via BUF)

5

Jeremy Sprinkle

TE, Arkansas

Jeremy Sprinkle is a classic throwback type of tight end. While others in the league are all about catching passes, he’s known for doing more. He’s a good athlete with solid hands who can make three or four meaningful catches a game. His biggest asset though is blocking. He’s tremendous at opening up running lanes, which will be great for Jordan Howard and offers a major assist in pass protection. Lots of upside with him.

5th Round

6

Josh Malone

WR, Tennessee

Josh Malone won’t rise on many radars. He doesn’t have great stats and his team isn’t winning much. So why do the Bears target him? He’s got talent. At 6’3″ he shows a mix of size and speed, able to get himself open. One thing that is often forgotten is good receivers can often be masked by questionable quarterbacks. Joshua Dobbs has done that to Malone at Tennessee. This could end up becoming a quality pick.

Nov 25, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Josh Augusta (97) enters the field on Senior Day before the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Faurot Field. Missouri won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

7th Round

7

Josh Augusta

DT, Missouri

Josh August has for most of his career at Missouri. The massive interior defensive lineman has struggled with weight control at times but when it’s right, he’s proven to be quite a disruptive player for being so big. Augusta swallows up running lanes as expected but is also quite adept at getting into the backfield on tackles for loss and even a few sacks. He’ll make a fine rotational guy to help spell Goldman during games.

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