Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Expect The Unexpected

Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Xzavier Dickson, OLB, Alabama

Working under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Bears will be using different looks. Xzavier Dickson can help with that. He is an outside linebacker who could also be used as a defensive end.

Dickson has a quick first step that he uses to get blockers off balance. He has a thick lower body that allows him to use an effective bull rush.

Dickson is 6-foot-3 and weighs 260 pounds, but he is light on his feet. He has good lateral movement, and is good in pursuit.

Entering his senior season, Dickson had just six starts among his 33 games. He had 49 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. Then he had a breakout season. He recorded 42 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and led the team in sacks with nine.

Dickson has to work on his technique still. He projects by some to be a better professional at some point than what he’s shown in college. Having a player that can play multiple positions can come in handy for the Bears defense.

You may have noticed something in my mock draft. No big nose tackle and no running back. The Bears were linked with Danny Shelton of Washington, but I don’t think he will be picked in the top ten.

I believe the pickup of Jaquizz Rodgers signifies that the Bears may delay a decision on Matt Forte until next season. They will probably wait for the season to unfold and sees how he does, then look at what next season’s draft holds for running backs.

Of course, with a trade all bets are called off. I still feel the Bears will make a trade. If they trade down and add picks, then they may pick up that nose tackle, running back or offensive lineman.

It will be an interesting draft, and all eyes will be on Ryan Pace as he sets out to remake the Chicago Bears and bring back the winning tradition.

Okay, people, go ahead and mock my mock. Let me know who YOU would pick.

More from Da Windy City

• Juan Soto appears headed to the Yankees which is not a big blow Chicago Cubs offseason
• 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
• Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
• The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
• Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates

Next: Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns Should Play Let's Make A Deal