Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: December Update

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox looks on during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears season has been over for awhile and most fans are already searching for Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft.

You know the season has gone poorly when many fans are looking forward to seeing articles like the Chicago Bear 2017 NFL Mock Draft. The Bears are nowhere close to a playoff berth and all focus is now towards the future.

Chicago is likely to land a top-5 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft which means they’ll get a chance to add some real talent. The question is whether or not this is a team that needs just a few more pieces to finish the puzzle.

The Bears are expected to be very active in free agency as they should have over $60 million in cap space available. It’ll be up to Ryan Pace and company to figure out how to use that cap space and high draft pick to make this team more competitive.

Jay Cutler’s situation figures to be a major story line for much of the Bears offseason. They have a chance to cut ties and have little to no financial repercussions. However, moving on from Cutler would put pressure on the team to add a young quarterback this year.

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) grabs Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pettway (36) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

1st Round: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

The Chicago Bears are still very likely to land a top-5 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. This will give them an opportunity to add a potential game-changing talent. The most important thing they need to do is avoid reaching on a quarterback.

Instead, they should target one of the highly talented defensive prospects who would represent more value. Alabama’s Jonathan Allen is both a safe and high upside prospect.

More from With the First Pick

Allen is a disruptive force who makes his presence known in both the running and passing game. He has the strength and anchor to clog running lanes as well as the short-area burst needed to make plays away from his frame.

His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and make plays behind the line of scrimmage is what makes him a top-5 prospect. This is someone who excels at disrupting the timing of the offense and making game changing plays.

Allen would likely play the 5-technique position in Chicago where he’d work alongside Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks. The combination of those three along with Leonard Floyd, Pernell McPhee, Willie Young, Jerrell Freeman and Danny Trevathan make a top-flight front-7.

Chicago could also look at the safety position with prospects like Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers and LSU’s Jamal Adams.

Nov 26, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Round: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

It’ll be interesting to see how the quarterback situation shakes out during the 2017 NFL Draft. There are several highly-talented prospects who may drop due to some major question marks. Deshaun Watson is one of those quarterbacks who has 1st round talent but inconsistencies.

Watson’s biggest issues are his accuracy and the fact he failed to take a step forward in his development. Another concern is that he lacks experience in a pro-style offense and could need some time to adjust.

Chicago is at a crossroads with Jay Cutler and appear ready to head in a different direction. They have Brian Hoyer under contract for next season and have been encouraged by the recent play of Matt Barkley.

However, neither of those two are long-term solutions and would serve better as a bridge to someone like Watson.

The Bears need a lot of help in the secondary and could target a cornerback in the 2nd round. This draft features a ton of talent and depth at the position. LSU’s Tre’Davious White could slip into the second day of the draft and would be a great add for the Bears.

However, this might be the best spot for them to target a young quarterback as several of them could come off the board in the 2nd round.

Oct 3, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles offensive lineman Roderick Johnson (77) lines up during the second half against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Florida State defeated Wake Forest 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Round: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State

Many see the Chicago Bears offensive tackle position as a major issue. The argument is that Charles Leno Jr. lacks the potential to stick at left tackle and Bobby Massie is a high-priced problem. Massie has had a tough season, but Leno has shown enough to earn more playing time.

However, Chicago lacks depth at the position and especially someone talented enough to challenge this year’s starters. Florida State’s Roderick Johnson has the physical tools to be a top-flight NFL tackle, but needs some refinement.

Grabbing someone with Johnson’s athletic profile in the 3rd round is good value. There’s some risk with this pick, but at this point in the draft most prospects come with some issues.

Johnson has the size and fluid movements needed to hold up in space. However, he lacks proper footwork and focus. His tendency to play with a high pad level negatively impacts his balance and exposes his body.

This pick is another that would make sense for the Bears to target secondary help or a quarterback. Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes II and Miami’s Brad Kaaya are two quarterback prospects who could be available at this point in the draft.

Sep 5, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks cornerback Chris Seisay (12) and Oregon Ducks safety Tyree Robinson (3) hold on to Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

4th Round: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington

This season has been a complete disaster at the wide receiver position. The injury to Kevin White was the most painful as it stunted his development and brings question about his long-term future. These questions along with the possibility of losing Alshon Jeffery via free agency means the Bears must add some help at the position.