Chicago Bears: 5 Quick 2017 Mock Draft Scenarios

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) reacts during the second quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Mock drafts by their nature and simple tools of speculation. So why not use more of a blanket technique for the Chicago Bears this time?

This article will cover five different draft scenario for the Bears, each one taking a different approach to the process and also the needs of the team. The scenario will be briefly explained and then the top three picks of each draft projected. When it’s all said done there will be only one question left to answer. Which one is the best for this team come April?

The Likely Scenario

This is the one series of picks that is the likeliest to happen. Part of it is because quality of talents available and also serving key needs without overreaching. A best player available based on a list of needs sort of approach. Ryan Pace knows he can’t afford to get these picks wrong, so he has to balance risk with likelihood of success.

Jonatha Allen

DE, Alabama

The past two years Pace has gone with two outstanding athletic players in Kevin White and Leonard Floyd. While not busts yet, both are proving to be injury problems. Maybe it’s time to flip the script. This time the Bears go with somebody who is just a rock solid football player. Maybe not the best athlete, but Jonathan Allen is a man who can bully other grown men. He’s a load of power at 6’3″, 290 lbs who can blow up running plays and has quietly produced over 20 sacks in his past two seasons.2

Patrick Mahomes

QB, Texas Tech

Odds are the Bears aren’t going to find a quarterback who can start right away for them in this draft. It might be better if they just targeted one with huge upside who can ride the bench for a year learning behind a veteran like Hoyer or maybe a Tony Romo. Texas Tech star Patrick Mahomes led the nation in passing, had 12 rushing touchdowns and may be the best improvisational player in the country. If he can learn to play like a pro, he’ll be a perennial Pro Bowler.

Jordan Leggett

TE, Clemson

It wasn’t the Watson-to-Williams connection that setup the winning score for Clemson in the national championship. It was the outstanding grab by tight end Jordan Leggett, who showcased his value in the passing game all year, making an array of huge plays that got the Tigers some of their most critical wins against Louisville and Florida State. He’s big, athletic and run good routes to get open. Chicago would love him from the moment he stepped on the field.Next: Swinging Hard

Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

The Upside Scenario

Sometimes a GM believes if he’s going to pull his team out of the cellar, he has to take a gigantic home run swing in the draft at some point. Going after solid players who have enormous ceilings in hopes the coaching staff can smooth out the rough edges.

Malik Hooker

FS, Ohio State

An elite safety has become the forlorne dream of many fans in Chicago. This defense hasn’t seen one close to that level since the days of Mike Brown. It’s little wonder there is so much interest in somebody like Malik Hooker. He’s drawn comparisons to Ed Reed. Not surprising given he just finished with seven interceptions and three defensive touchdowns in 2016. His mix of size, range and ball skills are everything this team doesn’t have. It’s a no brainer from a logic standpoint. 2

Josh Allen

QB, Wyoming

The Jay Cutler comparisons aren’t going to excite a lot of people about Josh Allen, but the truth is he’s not Cutler. Though they share a similar body type, athleticism and elite arm strength the fact is Allen is his own person. His personality may end up being a bit more what the Bears were hoping for when they traded for Cutler back in 2009. Key to that is whether they’re willing to be patient. Allen is so talented but very raw. He needs time to learn what it really means to play quarterback.3

Cameron Sutton

CB, Tennessee

The amount of turnover at cornerback was beyond frustrating for the Bears. Injuries combined with erratic play led to a lot of inconsistency at the position. Some weeks were great and others were not. They still need to find somebody who can survive on the outside in man coverage without a constant need for help. Cameron Sutton can be that type of player. A physical brute who tackles hard and plays with agility and speed. Is he healthy will be the question.Next: All O

Nov 5, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) scores a touchdown on his forth quarter run against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 48-20. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

The Offensive Scenario

Sure the defense not having an adequate secondary was a big problem but in truth scoring just 17 points per game makes it difficult to win in the NFL. The Bears need to improve their offensive firepower. Two positions in particular stick out above the rest.

Mitch Trubisky

QB, North Carolina

The Bears don’t have an answer at the quarterback position. All they have are three guys in Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley who took turns proving they aren’t good enough to get this team where it needs to go. Mitch Trubisky is the most complete prospect of the top quarterbacks in this draft. He’s big, strong, plays the position with sharp understanding, throws accurately and does a solid job of protecting the football.2

David Njoku

TE, Miami Fl.

Who does Chicago have at tight end that defenses stop and say, “We need to make sure this guy doesn’t beat us.” Nobody. Zach Miller was the closest but he is injury-prone and turns 32 this year. It’s time for a renewed investment at that position. David Njoku is just the ticket. This big kid out of Miami is a two-way threat. Strong enough to block but also an athlete with speed. He understands how to get open and even better can make plays after the catch.3

Kai Nacua

S, BYU

Safety is in such a state where the Bears would be crazy to not use at least one of their top three picks at that position. Somebody with ball skills would do so much to help them on the back end. Kai Nacua doesn’t get the same press as a Hooker, Adams or Peppers because he plays at BYU. Nevertheless he’s developed quite the ballhawk reputation. At 6’2″, 215 lbs he has corralled 12 interceptions in his past two seasons for the Cougars.Next: Fly the W

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Winner Scenario

It may seem overly simple, but there is a certain logic to it. Maybe the solution to solving the Bears’ losing issues is to start drafting players who are not only productive but accustomed to winning. It worked with Tampa Bay who drafted John Lynch (Stanford), Warren Sapp (Miami) and Derrick Brooks (Florida State) to form the core that led them to a championship in 2002.

Deshaun Watson

QB, Clemson

There is every reason to think the Bears might consider taking Deshaun Watson at #3. For starters he’s a highly productive player who lost just two games in the past two years and beat an undefeated Alabama team for a national championship. People swear by his intelligence and intangibles as a leader. Combine that with a decent arm and elite athleticism and it could definitely make for an NFL starter. To say nothing of the fact Chicago will get a good look at him in the Senior Bowl.2

Carlos Watkins

DT, Clemson

Another member of that loaded Clemson roster. Carlos Watkins often gets lost in the shuffle and that’s a shame. The defensive tackle has really come into his own. he notched 8.5 sacks in 2016 and was an active run defender as well. Given the questionable health status of Eddie Goldman after two injury-plagued seasons, adding Watkins to beef up their front is not a bad decision at all. If Goldman comes around? All the better.