Bears Load Up on Defense in Latest Mock Draft

Apr 26, 2013; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks before the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Mock draft season is revving up with NFL scouts and front offiices descending on Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl practices this week.  Thanks to the fine folks at FanSpeak, they have a fantastic Mock Draft simulator, which updates their big board and team needs and allows you to choose players for your favorite team.

I set up a full 7-round Mock Draft and loaded up on defense for the Bears.  Here’s a look at who I selected in my Bears summary:

Round 1 (14), ILB C.J. MOSLEY, ALABAMA

With some big names still on the board, I decided to go linebacker with the best available in the draft, Alabama’s CJ Mosley.  Phil Emery has stated that Jon Bostic might not be a middle linebacker and a move outside might be coming this offseason.

Round 2 (51) DT RA’SHEDE HAGEMAN, MINNESOTA

Based on how the picks were shaking out in the first round, I thought the Bears could still get a solid defensive tackle in later rounds and hit with Hageman in Round 2.  Some mocks have him projected to the Bears in the first round, so I’ll jump on the chance to scoop him up in Round 2.  At 6’6″ and 311 lbs., he’s a load in the middle.  He’s drawn comparisons to JJ Watt, which is enough for me.  He could fit the mold for a hybrid D-lineman to either play inside in 4-3 configurations and at DE when they want to go 3-4.

Round 3 (82) DT KELCY QUARLES, SOUTH CAROLINA

With the needs on the Bears defensive line, I’m doubling down on DT’s with Gamecock Kelcy Quarles.  He earned All-SEC recognition while leading the ‘Cocks in sacks and tackles for loss.  And that’s on a team with Jadeveon Clowney.

Round 4 (113) QB JIMMY GAROPPOLO, EASTERN ILLINOIS

I can’t help myself and pick up a quarterbacking prospect for Marc Trestman.  Coming off MVP honors in the Shrine Game, there is no way that Garoppolo drops into the fourth round, but on this board, he’s there so I pull the trigger on a project.  Even if Garoppolo isn’t available, the Bears need to consider investing a pick to bring along behind Cutler, whose 7-year deal is really only a 3-year deal with a bunch of options.

Round 5 (144) CB CHRIS DAVIS, AUBURN

This is my reach for a new Devin Hester pick.  Davis rocked the college football world with the missed field goal return heard ’round the world.  Davis is a raw and unproven prospect, but he’ll light up the Combine, which will certainly catch Phil Emery’s attention.

Round 6 (167) S JONATHAN DOWLING, WESTERN KENTUCKY

This has the potential to be the steal of the draft.  At 6’3″ and 200 lbs, Dowling is in the mold of a big, playmaking safety.  Dowling was a Florida recruit before he was dismissed by then coach Urban Meyer for violating unspecified team rules.  After sitting out a season, he racked up over 130 tackles, nine interceptions, eight forced fumbles and fourteen pass breakups in a two-season span.  He’s a great athlete and a big hitter.  If he actually is on the board in the 6th round, Emery should RUN up to hand in his draft card.

Round 6 (175) WR TEVIN REESE, BAYLOR

This burner prospect out of Baylor slips in the draft because missed four games with a wrist injury.  In 2013 he still managed over 800 yards and 8 TD’s in just 8 games.  Scouts compare the 5’10” 170 pound receiver to DeSean Jackson.  Yes please.

Hit the next few pages to see the complete draft: