Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive Overdrive

The Chicago Bears are poised to have a great off-season if they play their cards right, and the NFL draft must be the frosting on that cake.

There is no shortage of different ways it might go for this team when they go on the clock. Most believe it will be a defensive player at #3. A Jonathan Allen, Solomon Thomas or Malik Hooker. Others cling to the belief it must be a quarterback. This is finally their chance to get a choice of options they normally don’t. Then there is the most exotic option:  trading back. Not impossible, just difficult to accomplish. Here’s a look on how creative they could get.

Bears get #6 pick and DE Sheldon RichardsonBrowns get #6 pick

Bears get #12 pick, 3rd in 2017, and CB Joe Haden

1st Round (via CLE)

1

Patrick Mahomes

QB, Texas Tech

Now sitting at #12, the Bears could be justified taking one of the top quarterbacks on the board. Patrick Mahomes is surrounded by concerns with his raw fundamentals and lack of experience in a pro-style offense. However, scouts are beginning to agree he might be the most gifted passer in the class. Big, mobile and craft with a strong arm to attack down the field. What really stands out is his accuracy, which is often pinpoint even when throwing from awkward angles.

2nd Round

2

Evan Engram

TE, Ole Miss

Evan Engram is exciting scouts all over. Despite being undersized for the position at 6’3″, his speed and athleticism combined with a pair of big hands make him a matchup nightmare for linebackers and safeties. He plays the position like a receiver, gets off the line fast and running solid routes to create separation. That doesn’t mean he can’t make the tough catches either though. He’s also a threat in the red zone too.

3rd Round

3

Isaiah Ford

WR, Virginia Tech

Teams often get so caught up in the measurable things of size and timed speeds that they don’t recognize what often makes a really good receiver. It’s the ones who get open all the time, regardless of competition. Isaiah Ford showed at Virginia Tech he’s that kind of wide receiver. Not only is he a decent 6’2″ in size but he runs solid route and accents it with considerable deep speed. If he adds more strength to his lanky frame, he’ll be even more dangerous.

3rd Round (via CLE)

4

Eddie Jackson

S, Alabama

That is precisely what Eddie Jackson did best for Alabama the past two seasons. Between 2015 and 2016 he had seven interceptions for the Crimson Tide and returned three of them for touchdowns. He’d likely be in the 1st round conversation right now if he hadn’t broken his leg last year. That will likely sag his stock a bit. Nevertheless if he’s fully recovered the Bears could be getting a steal in the 3rd round.

4th Round

5

Carl Lawson

OLB, Auburn

Carl Lawson has an injury history of his own at Auburn, but he has the kind of unique pass rush talent that make it worth the risk in the 4th round. In his first full season for the Tiger in 2016 he was a headache for blockers, notching 9.5 sacks and collecting 14 tackles for loss. His quickness off the snap, natural leverage and advanced use of the hands are big reasons why he could be a serious factor on the pro level.

4th Round (via BUF)

6

Javarius Leamon

OT, South Carolina State

Javarius Leamon is becoming a favorite in the scouting community. He plays for smaller South Carolina State but has shown the kind of athleticism and movement skills NFL tackles are required to have. He shows an ability to anchor against bull rushes and can mirror speed on the edge. His body though isn’t ready. Lot of soft areas that will need strengthening before he’s ready for guys like Clay Matthews, Ezekiel Ansah and Everson Griffen.

5th Round

7

Corn Elder

CB, Miami Fl.

Adding Haden was a nice touch but the Bears must continue to bring in more young cornerback talent. Corn Elder will get lost in the shuffle because he’s only 5’10” but he might be one of the most physical corners in the draft. Superb at reading screens or running plays and blowing them up in the backfield. He’s also pesky in coverage, never giving opponents much breathing space and showing great awareness at all times.

7th Round

8

Cameron Johnston

P, Ohio State

Pat O’Donnell was another Phil Emery pick billed as the future of the franchise who proved to be mediocre at football. He’s done very little to show he deserves to remain the starter on this team. Cameron Johnston was a steady, dependable punter at one of the best programs in the country of Ohio State. He averaged just over 46 yards per punt in 2016, demonstrating a strong leg and directional skill. The best part is he’s a native of Australia, so it would be something unique to see him drafted.

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