Chicago Bears Land 3 First-Round Picks in New 3 Round Mock Draft (with Trades)
By Peter Jurich
First Round | Picks 9 - 20
No. 9) ARI (via CHI) selects Rome Odunze - WR, Washington
Projected trade: ARI receives #9, 2025 4th | CHI receives #23, #27
After trading back with the Vikings, the Cardinals pair both of their late-first-round picks to get another top-11 pick (they still possess MIN's original selection). This is a win-win situation, as Arizona picks up an impressive player at a position of need in Odunze, while the Bears pick up an extra selection that is desperately needed.
No. 10) ATL (via NYJ) selects Laitu Latu - EDGE, California Los Angeles
After trading back the Falcons pick up perhaps this class's premier pass rush specialist in Latu. There are certainly concerns surrounding his medical history, but when healthy, Latu is a technical, long, and physical pass rusher who has the athleticism as well as the technique to dominate.
No. 11) ARI (via MIN) selects Terrion Arnold - CB, Alabama
With their second and final selection of the first round, the Cardinals address another area of concern with a talented player in Arnold. Arnold is a ball-hawk who should dramatically improve Arizona's secondary, and with Odunze joining the team as well, the two should be able to train against one another in camp and practice.
No. 12) PHI (via DEN) selects Quinyon Mitchell - CB, Toledo
*Projected trade: PHI receives #12 | DEN receives #22, #50 (2nd), #172 (5th)
With Arnold off the board, the Eagles trade up 10 spots to select the class's most physically intimidating defensive back in Mitchell. The Eagles' secondary needs a big-time improvement, and Mitchell could eventually take the reigns as a starting boundary cornerback.
No. 13) LV selects Troy Fautanu - OT, Washington
The Raiders here pick up Fautanu, who could end up as the team's starting right tackle from day one. If not, Fautanu has value as a potential interior lineman, but even if he becomes a full-time guard, he is worth the selection if he makes it out of the top 12.
No. 14) NO selects Olu Fashanu - OT, Penn State
In other classes, Fashanu may have been a top-five pick, so the Saints should feel good about snagging him in the middle of the first. Tackle is a big need for New Orleans, and Fashanu has perhaps the best collegiate resume of any lineman in this class.
No. 15) IND selects Brock Bowers - TE, Georgia
The Colts desperately need to find playmakers for quarterback Anthony Richardson, and Bowers would be a great addition. A consistent target over the middle of the field, Bowers should be able to make an instant impact in his first season.
No. 16) SEA selects Taliese Fuaga - OT, Oregon State
The Seahawks keep Fuaga in the Pacific Northwest, and while he could slot into the starting right tackle position, he may find more playing time early on at guard. Seattle has a strong roster on paper, but adding help across the offensive line is a must.
No. 17) PIT (via JAX) select Brian Thomas Jr - WR, Louisiana State
*Projected trade: PIT receives #17 | JAX receives #20, #98 (3rd)
The Steelers send a third-rounder to move up three spots while jumping a wide receiver-needy divisional rival to select Thomas Jr. Opposite of George Pickens, Thomas would be a reliable target for either Fields or Russell Wilson, and Pittsburgh needs to add more talent to their stagnant offensive core.
No. 18) CIN selects Byron Murphy - DT, Texas
The Bengals' interior defensive line got weaker this offseason, but adding Murphy would improve the group's ability to rush the passer and stop the run. Murphy does not possess prototypical defensive tackle size, but he is just as disruptive as any player in this class.
No. 19) LAR selects Jared Verse - EDGE, Florida State
After Aaron Donald's retirement, the Rams could use help across the defensive front, and adding Verse would provide the team with a versatile edge defender who is more than capable of creating pressure. Verse might not be as polished as the other edge rushers going before him, but there is a lot to like in the former Albany transfer.
No. 20) JAX (via PIT) selects Cooper DeJean - CB, Iowa
After trading back, the Jaguars address their secondary needs by adding DeJean, who could find playing time in the slot, as a boundary corner, at either safety position, and even on special teams. DeJean is one of the true "chess pieces" of this class, and regardless of where he lines up, his impact will be felt in Jacksonville.