Chicago Bears Mock Draft (Rounds 4-7)

Round 6

CB Zach Sanchez, Oklahoma (5’11 | 185  | 4.50)

The Bears have three potentially good corners in Fuller, Porter, and Callahan but little to no depth behind them. The best chance of a 4th corner developing from the roster is 2014 undrafted free agent Jacoby Glenn, who has great length and speed was pretty raw coming out of college last year. The Bears need help at corner unless they want to rely on Sherrick McManus again (please no).

I was tempted to go with a corner earlier in the mock draft, but there aren’t a lot of options I like for the Bears scheme outside the first two rounds. Sanchez on the other hand is a three year starter in the pass-happy Big 12 who has made two All-Conference teams and was voted a 2nd team All-American by many publications.

Sanchez was a productive ballhawk in college with 15 interceptions (7 in 2015) and 28 pass break-ups during his time with the Sooners. He has great instincts and is a natural cover corner with enough awareness to leave his man and help out elsewhere when needed. Sanchez had impressive workout numbers with 4.48 speed, a 35″ vertical, and a surprising 19 bench reps of 225 pounds for the 185 pound corner.

Based on tape alone, Sanchez would be no later than a day 2 pick, but he is a little shorter than ideal, has a very thin frame, and may be limited to the slot. His gambling style pays off when it generates turnovers, but also gets Sanchez beat deep too often. He has a tendency to jump short routes which leaves him open to double moves.

Sanchez is aggressive against the run and has some big hits on his highlight reel, but he may be too skinny to bring down NFL players in the open field regardless of his effort level. I’m not as worried about it considering his effectiveness as a tackler in the Big12 (134 career tackles) and impressive bench numbers.

Sanchez would give the Bears an NFL-ready sub package corner with good ball-skills and enough length to cover outside in a pinch. The Bears finished 30th in the league with just eight interceptions last season and could use an aggressive play-maker at corner who has a chance to step in as their 4th defensive back right away.

Next: Round 6 (2nd pick)