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2017 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Late-Season Seven-Round Mock Draft

By Dan Schmelzer

Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball in the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the ACC Championship college football game at Camping World Stadium. Clemson Tigers won 42-35. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cooper Kupp 2017 NFL Draft
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) makes a touchdown catch against Washington State Cougars defensive lineman Samson Ebukam (3) during the second half at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

. Wide Receiver. Eastern Washington. Cooper Kupp. 4. player. 57

After filling defensive needs with talented players on back-to-back picks, the Bears try to give their franchise quarterback some help here in the fourth round. Wide receiver is not the Bears’ largest position of need, but there is plenty of unknown there.

Alshon Jeffery is a legitimate number one receiver, but he has struggled with injuries and is set to become a free agent this off season. The Bears will undoubtedly make a run at Jeffery in free agency, but it is far from guaranteed that he will be back. Even if he is, how much can they count on him to consistently be on the field?

2015 seventh-overall pick Kevin White would ideally replace Jeffery if he moves on, but he can’t seem to stay on the field either. White is an incredibly gifted receiver, but there is a ton of unknown here.

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At worst, the Bears could use some depth at the wide receiver position. Throughout this mock draft, I had been looking to find value at wide receiver. Finally in the fourth round, that value was found.

Eastern Washington’s Cooper Kupp is not an elite athlete at the wide receiver position, but he is a smooth and crafty receiver who has legitimate play-making ability. Listed at 6-2, 215 pounds, Kupp has solid size and has a knack for getting open.

Also a persise route runner, Kupp has shown the ability to make plays out of the slot and on the outside.

Kupp does lack breakaway speed for the position, but he is a solid athletic who shows impressive leaping ability. There is plenty to like about Kupp, but he is never going to be a threat down the field.

That being said, Kupp has been a consistent performer for Eastern Washington throughout his four-year career. In fact, he is the all-time leader in receptions (402), receiving yards (6,061) and receiving touchdowns (68) in the history of FCS football.

Kupp is a reliable pass catcher whose skills should translate well to the next level. There is a lot to like about his game and it is hard to argue against the production. The Bears find some nice wide receiver depth for Watson here in the fourth-round.

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