Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Plugging The Gaps

Sep 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jazz Peavy (11) is tackled by LSU Tigers safety Jamal Adams (33) after catching a pass during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

There are any number of ways the Chicago Bears can tackle the upcoming draft. GM Ryan Pace has plenty of work to do on this roster.

Granted they are headed in the right direction. It’s a matter of whether or not they can fill key needs while the rest of their young core continues to develop. Getting healthy bodies on the field is a big part of that but this team is far from a finished product. Still, the coaching staff knows that 2017 will be their make-or-break season. So they have to make this run count.

1st Round (via CLE from PHI)

Browns get #4 pick

Bears get #9 pick, 2nd in 2017 and 2nd in 20181

Jamal Adams

S, LSU

It’s been too long since this team had a genuine enforcer on the back end. Jamal Adams has shown that sort of capacity at LSU. True to SEC former he is a good-sized safety who knows how to deliver a hit. He’s tough and tackles well. What sticks out most are his instincts and anticipation. Many times he just seems to know where the ball is going before the snap. Throw in some athleticism in coverage and this has the makings of a future Pro Bowler.

2nd Round

2

Patrick Mahomes

QB, Texas Tech

Patrick Mahomes doesn’t fit the archetype of QBs he’s signed thus far, but don’t forget he targeted Marcus Mariota last year. Mahomes won’t be loved by every scout. Most will view him as a quarterback who plays an undisciplined backyard style, relying more on his immense physical skill than fundamentals and efficiency. That said there are plenty of signs the young man can grow. He throws with both power and accuracy. He’s a relentless competitor and very tough.

2nd Round (via CLE from TEN)

3

Curtis Samuel

WR, Ohio State

One player who has been red hot of late is Curtis Samuel. He’s among those need Antonio Brown/Percy Harvin type of wide receivers. They won’t impress with their size but the agility, speed and sudden quickness make them lethal at creating separation. Every time he touches the football it seems like he getting a big gain out of it. He just makes plays. Receivers of his type seem to function well in the offense the Bears run, so it’s a good fit.

3rd Round

4

T.J. Watt

OLB, Wisconsin

Just being the brother of J.J. Watt, the best pass rusher in the business should get T.J. Watt some attention. That being said he’s shown at Wisconsin that he’s no slouch. Like his brother he plays with that same fire and passion, but he doesn’t have quite the same mass. T.J. is much more the outside linebacker type. He’s got the long frame but also the quickness and athleticism to bend the edge. Throw in some violent hands and good awareness and he could be a great compliment to Floyd.

4th Round

5

Brendan Langley

CB, Lamar

Historically Vic Fangio has shown he doesn’t need high round picks in order to produce quality corners. They can be molded from late rounder better than other positions due to the depth of talent available. That’s why two of the Bears’ best are undrafted free agents. Brendan Langley is another Fangio type. He’s a big boundary corner who can play a physical press style of game and shows a certain knack for finding and playing the football.

4th Round via BUF

56

Cole Hikutini

TE, Louisville

One of the big reasons why the Bears offense has been so inconsistent this season is a lack of productivity at tight end. That was especially true after Zach Miller went down with injury. They badly need depth at the position. Somebody who can be a factor in the passing game. Cole Hikutini has been one of the most underrated and reliable targets for Heisman winner Lamar Jackson at Louisville. He’s got size to go along with crisp route running skills. This enable him to find the soft spots in coverage, often for first downs.

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