Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft Recap
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I recently finished my first seven round Bears mock of the season. There will be plenty more before the actual draft as the combine and pro days change prospect grades, the Bears fill lineup holes via free agency, and we find out more info on what defensive scheme the Bears will be running next season.
If you’e missed my mock draft posts earlier this week, here are links to round 1, rounds 2-3, and rounds 4-7. To determine which players would be available in each round I calculated the average draft slot for each player from the most respectable mock drafts I could find¹. Once I had the average draft slot, I used that to determine which players would be available when the Bears picked in each round. For example S Cody Prewitt had an average draft spot of the 81st overall pick, so he wasn’t an option for the Bears 4th round pick (103rd). For each pick I took the player I liked best that met a specific need for the Bears. What I consider needs and what new GM Ryan Pace does are obviously going to differ, but this is how I hope things pan out.
For the purposes of this article, I am assuming that the Bears don’t make any trades, even though it was tempting to trade down to add picks and address their multiple needs. I didn’t do that, but I wouldn’t be upset if it happens in real life. Here is a recap of all my picks with a brief summary of why each pick makes sense for the Bears. For a more detailed reasoning, click on the links I provided above or on the players name below. If you have any issues with my picks, let me know in the comments or on Twitter.
Chicago Bears Mock Draft Recap:
Round 1 – DE/OLB Shane Ray, Missouri
Assuming the Bears are going to implement some version of Vic Fangio’s hybrid 3-4 scheme, they need edge rushers. Ray is one of the most explosive, athletic players in the draft and could fill the Aldon Smith role in Fangio’s scheme.
Round 2 – LB Eric Kendricks, UCLA
Regardless of what defensive scheme the Bears use in 2015, Kendricks will fit nicely. He is a sideline-to-sideline run stopper who is also solid in coverage and a dangerous blitzer. The Bears need to shore up their tackling and a guy like Kendricks, who had 440 tackles in college, would certainly help.
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Round 3 – WR/KR Tyler Lockett, Kansas St
The Bears need to diversify their receiver group by adding someone who can get open on short to intermediate routes. Lockett is a sharp route runner with enough speed to get deep as well. He’s also a dangerous return man (6 return TDs) who could be a weapon on special teams.
Round 4 – OT Rob Havenstein, Wisconsin
A mauling run blocker who could be an upgrade at RT over Jordan Mills and help John Fox transition the Bears into a power running team.
* The Bears don’t have a 5th round pick due to the Brock Vereen trade last year (thanks Emery!)
Round 6 – S Adrian Amos, Penn St
Versatile safety who is solid in both coverage and run support and can lay people out over the middle.
Round 7 – CB Bryce Callahan, Rice
Undersized, but very tough slot corner prospect who plays much bigger than his size and has excellent ball skills.
¹ Mock drafts used to determine average draft slot: CBS Sports (Rang, Brugler), WalterFootball, DraftTek, ESPN Insider (Kiper, McShay), NFL (Brooks), and SB Nation.