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The Chicago Bears 2017 Seven Round Mock Draft

By Bryan Dietzler

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as Carson Wentz (North Dakota State) is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number two overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Anderson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) makes the touchdown catch against the against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) makes the touchdown catch against the against the Washington State Cougars during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite the fact the Bears loaded up on wide receivers in the off-season, they still need help.  There are new guys, like Kendall Wright and Markus Wheaton, who haven’t lived up to their billing in the NFL. Maybe it’s not their fault but they make Bear’s fans nervous for the possibility that Chicago may not have any stars at wide receiver in 2017.

It’s not out of the question to think that the Bears could go for a wide receiver early on in the draft.  Probably not at number three overall but maybe later.  If they do decide to wait a little bit, they could find some decent talent in the middle rounds of the draft.

There is one player that could interest the Bears.  His name is Cooper Kupp and he’s a wide receiver out of Eastern Washington.  Some of the upside he has includes very good hands, nice size as well as good durability.  He can block well, make plays in the red-zone and can pick up extra yards after the catch.

His upside seems to outweigh his downside.  In looking at his weaknesses, Pro Football Focus says:

"Acceleration can be an issue. Takes him a bit to get going, may not have that kind of time and space against NFL players. While he was effective at running every route he ran, scheme  at Eastern Washington limited those routes. Will need more experience running more complex routes. Sometimes seems to run a little upright which can slow him down in and out of his breaks. Competition level. There were times where Kupp  was clearly just a bigger and better athlete than some of the defenders he played against. This won’t be the case in the NFL."

Kupp is an intriguing prospect that could be of great value to the Bears.  If he is there when the Bears pick in the fourth round they have to grab him.  He could go a long way towards helping to improve what is a suspect wide receiving corps.  Kupp could give Glennon, in the short term, a solid target to throw the ball to and a future starter long term help at wide receiver.  For the pick and for the value, he would be a smart choice.

Alternate pick: Jordan Leggett-TE-Clemson-The Bears have to find a tight end in this draft (my mock has one coming up shortly).  Leggett would be a steal in the fourth round if he is there.  But will he?

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