In the Chicago Bears final mock draft before the real thing, who are some players that they may key in on?
After going a few different directions, it is time to unveil the final mock draft. What was most interesting in this process was going from taking a running back in round three to consistently waiting into round four or five. The more mocks that I did, the more it felt as if the players worth 87 would be gone, and the next best fits would be around later.
While the team is heavily invest in finding a back, do not be surprised if they go another direction at 87, and take the player of their choice a round later.
If they do pass on a running back, what would they do?
Maxx Crosby would be an excellent addition at pick 87. Coming from the MAC, there is not much attention on Crosby, but he was extremely productive, flying all over the field and finishing every play.
Crosby put up enough to get an invite to the NFL combine, where he went from a late-round hustle player in the MAC to a serious NFL prospect.
He is a bit undersized, but nobody is going to hate the athleticism. The size also compared him to hand down rushers, which he is not. He is an outside linebacker who will play in space when needed but also will explode off of the football and into the backfield. On third downs, his high energy and burst can help rush the passer, and he can make a name as a special teams option. His upside shows as a potential starter in the future, which makes him worth a third-round pick.
Lamont Gaillard is not going to blow away the combine as Crosby did. He is not going to be everyone’s favorite prospect due to his superior size or length. However, he is a pure football. Gaillard is a power blocker who loves to get dirty in the run game.
His technical ability and physical mindset give him a chance in the NFL. The Bears could add a depth guard who has experience at both interior line spots. With Kyle Long’s injury status, the team has to address guard sooner than later and with the versatility to slide into center, Gaillard is a perfect mid-round option.
Waiting until round five may get the Chicago Bears one of their best fits. Ozigbo is a power back who can finish runs with breakaway speed, power and balance. He is not a perfect back, but it is clear that none are in this class. However, with most of the top options gone by pick 87, Devine Ozigbo is the best bang for your buck back.
The closer we get to the draft, the more it sounds like the Chicago Bears will draft a tight end. The question is when? They met with a few options who could be available in the middle rounds, but for the most part, are going to look for a tight end late in the draft.
Sweeney is looked at as more of a run blocker, and his blocking is his best attribute. However, while he is not an elite athlete, he is competent at catching passes and finding some spots in the zone. With the athletic upside of Adam Shaheen, the versatility of Trey Burton and the blocking and reliability of Sweeney, the team could look competent from top to bottom at tight end.
If you have noticed a theme in these mocks we have consistently gone into the slot with one of the seventh round picks. Whether it be Jimmy Moreland, Mark Fields, or Xavier Crawford, all three fit a similar athletic and physical profile to Bryce Callahan, and all three would be great late round options if they last until round seven. Crawford has very short arms, which may push him down to be the lowest drafted, but the most likely to be around for the Bears second pick.