Bears: 7-Round Mock Draft 2.0
4th round (#109) – OT Eric Magnuson, Michigan (6’4 | 303 | 5.05)
The Bears badly need offensive line depth and maybe an upgrade at right tackle as well. Free agent acquisition Bobby Massey improved as the season went on but overall was the weak link on an otherwise solid Bears offensive line.
Worst case, the Bears need to at least add some depth to the o-line this offseason. Unfortunately, it’s one of the weakest positions in the this year’s draft. Free agency may be the Bears best target for blocking depth, but there are some potential starters in this year’s draft and a currently undervalued one in Michigan’s Erik Magnuson.
He’s an All-B1G left tackle who was a key part of the Wolverines productive running game. He’s been a reliable, starting lineman for Michigan the last three seasons and has improved gradually each year. I don’t think Magnuson is a left tackle at the next level but could play there in a pinch.
Magnuson is very strong (isn’t everyone with the last name Magnuson?) and combines his power with a low pad level to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage. Run blocking is his best trait with power, technique, and a knack for finding people to block on the second level.
Magnuson’s pass blocking isn’t as sound but his longer than average arms help make up for a lack of ideal height. His feet are just a little slow to deal with elite speed rushers off the edge. Despite lacking quickness, Magnuson performed well as a pass blocker and rarely got beat off the edge in conference play last season. It could be a different story in the NFL though.
Right tackle is probably where Magnuson ends up at the next level and he has the potential to be a good one. He may slide inside to guard as well where he could eventually be an elite level player. The Bears have more depth at guard and a bit of a hole already at right tackle, so that is where the Bears would likely try Magnuson first.
The Bears are severely lacking in tackle depth and need to find a reliable swing tackle somewhere this offseason. Magnuson has the traits to handle the job as a rookie. It’s doubtful he could play on the left side long-term but could fill in for a game or two if needed while potentially being an upgrade at right tackle over Bobby Massie. If Magnuson is still available in the fourth round, the Bears should pull the trigger.