Chicago Bears Mock Draft 1.0: The Shane Waldron Era Starts
By Ryan Olson
#106 Overall Pick: Tanor Bortolini, OC/G, Wisconsin
Bortolini, out of Wisconsin, is a very high-floor candidate for the Bears at center. Bortolini uses his hands well and has experience moving around on the offensive line, so he can fill in at center if needed. Although he doesn’t have the athleticism that you desire to be a top-tier guard, his floor makes him a solid pick, regardless.
The Bears have had a hole at center since 2019, and getting just mediocre center play could go a long way. Center is also the easiest position on the line to ‘hide’ a starter.
#118 Overall Pick: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
The Bears have had a massive hole in their offense for two years, and Pearsall is a good way to start fixing that. The Bears under Getsy and Fields have been abysmal at passing down the field 10-19 yards down the field, particularly between the numbers. Maybe it was Getsy’s fault, or maybe it was Fields’ fault, but I’m not willing to take the chance that this problem will go away overnight.
Pearsall was second among the 2024 WR class in target share 10-19 yards down the field at 39% of his targets being in that range, which will give the Bears a reliable target in a spot they struggled at. Pearsall also has very reliable hands and has a good nose for yards after the catch which will also not hurt.
Not to mention Pearsall returned punts at Florida and could give the Bears a true solution at punt returner since Tarik Cohen. Pearsall was also a productive gadget player at Florida so giving him manufactured touches in space could be another way he is used in the NFL.
#137 Overall Pick: Tahj Washington, WR, USC
Tahj Washington at USC was a guy who always seemed to find himself a way onto the field, no matter how much competition he had. USC brought in the Pac-12 2022-23 leading receiver Dorian Singer and Washington found a way to take his job.
Next. 3 most likely outcomes for Jaylon Johnson with the Chicago Bears . 3 most likely outcomes for Jaylon Johnson with the Chicago Bears . dark
Washington found a way to put up 1000 yards on almost 18 yards per catch, despite competing for targets with Zachariah Branch. Dorian Singer, Brendan Rice, and five-star Mario Williams.
Washington was a very reliable target for Caleb Williams in college and pairing them in the NFL could be a good idea. Washington could be a solid WR3-4 in the NFL for many years to come which is valuable.