Now that the Chicago Bears have traded for two starters to add to their offensive line, the plan for the offseason is starting to come together.
While free agency will certainly change things, what would a potential mock draft look like if the team had to draft right now? We used PFF to find the pool of players.
Round 1, pick 10: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Simmons has future left tackle potential, and there are few players in this draft about whom you can say that. In the PFF mock, Will Campbell and Armand Membou were already off the board.
The Bears cannot trust Braxton Jones coming off of an injury in a contract year and they do not plan to pick this high again. They have to swing on a tackle when they can and Simmons is the top option around.
Round 2, pick 39: JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State
The Bears have a serious need for an edge rusher across from Montez Sweat. They may address this in free agency, but the defensive depth in this draft has pushed a player that many were once saying was a surefire top-15 pick down to the second round. The Bears would love this rusher to fall into their laps.
Round 2, pick 41: Ty Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Ohio State run continues with an interior defensive lineman. Williams is valuable because he played up and down the line and could be depth behind both Gervon Dexter and Andrew Billings. The team has no one else to trust in that role, so this is a big addition.
Round 3, pick 72: Dylan Sampson, RB, Tennessee
The Bears finally added a running back and found one that could be a great fit in the Ben Johnson offense. He is a reliable pass catcher and could push D’Andre Swift immediately.
Round 5, pick 149: Craig Woodson, FS, Cal
The Bears cannot trust Kevin Byard, and he may not even survive the offseason. They will bring in a veteran option, but a free safety here would be smart.
Round 7, pick 235: Joshua Gray, OG, Oregon State
They added two guards, but both are veterans, and Joe Thuney is starting to get old. The Bears would be silly not to keep replenishing the depth of the offensive line.
Round 7, pick 242: Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia
Stackhouse is more of a nose tackle and would be pushing to make the roster as a seventh-round pick. Still, he played in huge playoff games and can help with the culture of winning.