Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: Throw quarterback out the window

How about a fifth-round safety to pair with Eddie Jackson for the Chicago Bears?

Last year, the Bears found Eddie Jackson a partner in crime by signing veteran Tashaun Gipson later in the offseason. Gipson played well enough, but the Bears have not chosen to bring him back for next season. The year prior, it was Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

Going into the future seasons, the Bears have to try and find some more continuity at the safety position. Right now, it looks as though Deon Bush could be the starter — finally, after five previous seasons with the Bears, he could get his chance.

In the fifth round, the Bears take their shot on a guy who could end up being a long-term solution next to Jackson. Damar Hamlin is a bigger safety at 6-foot-1 and possesses a lot of those instinctual traits you like to see in a safety.

Hamlin could likely play either safety position, which would mean if he ended up starting down the line, Jackson could stay at free safety. Hamlin is a willing helper up at the line of scrimmage and isn’t shy from contact. He will absolutely come up and help make a play in the run game.

Although he’s great in contact situations, Hamlin also has some nice ball skills. Over his past three seasons with Pittsburgh, Hamlin came up with 26 passes defended (h/t NFL.com).

The Bears have to do what they can to get Jackson a permanent running mate, and if a fifth-round pick ends up taking that spot, then this is a pick that makes Pace look like a genius (yes, that phrase looks just as hysterical as it felt to type).