During the first two versions of our mock draft, we went with offensive tackles with the ninth overall pick. However, in recent days, there has been some smoke picking up toward Jalen Carter being the preferred target for the Chicago Bears.
So, this mock draft will be taking a look at how different the board may look if they go with a position other than tackle. If you want to see the mocks with a tackle, check them out here.
Chicago Bears Round 1, Pick 9, Jalen Carter, DL, Georgia
This one could be labeled a no-brainer. While some fans will be put off by the decision, the reality is that they met the prospect and we did not. What we can see on tape shows that he is an elite prospect. By most accounts, he is the best prospect in the draft.
There was an argument that the team could take him number one overall, and now they may have been able to trade down, get a huge haul, and get the same player they wanted with the first pick. Obviously, some things changed in order for that to happen, but it still seems like too good of a pick to simply disregard.
The Chicago Bears have been looking for that 3-technique in the middle of their defense for a while now. Paris Johnson may be the safer bet, but Jalen Carter is by far the biggest bet on the top talent in the draft.
Chicago Bears Round 2, Pick 53, Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
This is the only repeat pick from the last mock draft, and that is mainly because it just makes so much sense. The fit is too good, his projected range is right here, and whenever you do a mock draft, you find Joe Tippmann here.
It is hard to find a starting center who could come in next season, and passing on one when he may be the best player on the board to hope for a chance to take one later seems mis guided. When the Chicago Bears said that Cody Whitehair was their starting center it was a sign that the team needed to draft a center.
Whitehair is at the age and injury status where it is hard to see him getting through a full season, and even if he can, the play has declined from the last time he was at center. Whitehair could potentially hold it down for a week or two, but they need someone who can play next season. Tippmann fits perfectly.
Chicago Bears Round 2, Pick 61: Derick Hall, EDGE, Auburn
The Chicago Bears signed Rasheem Green, but they still need some edge presence. The one thing to note about both Green and DeMarcus Walker is that they are huge improvements in the run game. However, they are only minor pass-rush improvements. They need to get some juice after they added some power on the edge.
That is exactly what Derick Hall did. Hall is tenacious, and he fits the playing style that Matt Eberflus wants. He has a great get-off and plays violently from the initial whistle to the end. His questions come with how many counters he has, but also how he can hold up in the run game. He fights hard in the run game, which is why the Bears can buy in. However, he is just smaller and lighter than guys like Green and Walker.
Still, in the right looks the Chicago Bears can turn Hall into their best pass rusher. He is great at twisting and stunting, and they can remain versatile despite his size. On run-downs, they can sub him out, but even when he does play on run-downs, he at least fits the HITS principles. Next season it is easy to see him beating out both Trevis Gipson and Dominique Robinson for snaps.
At pick 61, the Chicago Bears are looking for some of the best fits that fall. He is a good fit, but may be the best player on the board as well.
Chicago Bears Round 3, Pick 64: Jaelyn Duncan, OT, Maryland
If the Chicago Bears do not take a tackle in the first round, they are going to have to decide what to do there. The reality is that if they do not trade down, or back into the top 50, they will not get a guy that everyone deems day one ready. However, they can take some shots at players with potential, and Jaelyn Duncan is just that.
Duncan was great in 2021, and most scouts said he just had a few things to work on before he became a first-round pick. However, he actually regressed in his senior year and brought on questions. He still has serious technical issues with his hands that limit his upside. However, his drop steps in pass protection are pretty smooth and it creates a solid base as a pass protector. The reality is that he may not be technically ready to start day one of his rookie season.
However, he has all of the things you want athletically to get a first-round pass protector, and now the question is whether he can get all of his untapped upside unlocked. There is a real chance that he can be a trusted starter down the road. Duncan will not go round one, but he does have enough talent that he is worthy of an early third-round pick. If the Chicago Bears do not go tackle early, they may not have a better option.
Chicago Bears Round 4, Pick 103: Wanya Morris, OT, Oklahoma
The Chicago Bears continue to add to the offensive line. Wanya Morris started at right tackle, and while Duncan may have more upside, especially because his feet are much more smooth. However, Morris may be the player who is more ready to start day one, especially with the hole on the right side.
Beyond that, Morris can have his technical questions in pass protection, but he brings a run blocking base of power that could get him on the field, and could fit the Chicago Bears.
Chicago Bears Round 4, Pick 133: Cameron Mitchell, CB, Northwestern
While the early mocks had the early mock drafts had the Chicago Bears going with the Northwestern tackle, and then the buzz went to the Northwestern defensive lineman, we know shift to the cornerback from the local school. The Chicago Bears may not need a cornerback, but they are still going to be seeing Kindle Vildor on the field a decent bit from where they stand.
The reality is that Cameron Mitchell fits. He does not blow you away athletically, but he is a great culture fit. He is also one of the best run defending cornerbacks in the draft. He is a great tackler and plays phyiscal.
He can get burnt over the top and can lose to bigger and more physical wideouts, but as someone who can compete with Vildor from the jump, this is a great fourth-round pick.
Chicago Bears Round 5, Pick 136 Parker Washington, WR, Penn State
The Chicago Bears are sticking to the HITS principle with someone like Parker Washington. The best comparison for Washington would be a player like Jarvis Landry. He is not the fastest guy and does not press down the field, but he is a reliable possession slot.
Parker Washington is tough and is a hard-nosed blocker. He also scraps with the ball in his hands and earns every yard. Parker Washington can return punts as a rookie, which locks him onto the team. Beyond that, he is about four years younger than Velus Jones and could fill that role better.
Chicago Bears Round 5, Pick 148: Keondre Coburn, DL, Texas
The Chicago Bears continue to beef up the front. Coburn is more of a nose tackle than anything. He would step in behind Andrew Billings, and with Jalen Carter, and Justin Jones as the upfield pass rushers, they would have a good mix in their rotation.
Chicago Bears Round 7, Pick 218: Brayden Willis, TE, Oklahoma
Brayden Willis is really intriguing for the Chicago Bears because he can line up in the slot, in-line, and even as a full back in the backfield. He is mainly a blocker, but he can be used versatily, which is what the Bears want.
Chicago Bears Round 7, Pick 258: MJ Anderson, EDGE, Iowa State
MJ Anderson is another player you can see that the Bears would like for the HITS principle. He hustles hard, and could play special teams.