Chicago Bears 2017 mock draft: Full seven rounds

Antonio Garcia, OT, Troy (6-foot-6, 300 pounds)

The Chicago Bears need to employ the same strategy the Dallas Cowboys used over the years. They need to invest some of their higher picks on offensive linemen. No, it isn’t the sexy thing to do, but in the long run it ends with an incredible line that gives its quarterback time to throw and its running back huge holes to run through. See Dak Prescott‘s and Ezequiel Elliott’s success in 2016.

Garcia is not well-known around the country, but scouts know him. He is a very athletic big man, having played basketball in high school. His feet still move like a basketball player, which allows him to mirror speed rushers. He can not only take on the outside pass rusher, he can also turn quickly inside and handle that as well.

Garcia’s hand usage is elite and very strong. He is able to keep the pass rusher centered without having to lean in, and his punch is excellent. Going along with a return to the Monsters of the Midway persona, Garcia has a high motor and plays hard through the whistle. He has the mean streak that you look for in an offensive lineman.

Garcia has the experience to man the quarterback’s blind side. He was a three-year starter at left tackle with Troy. It would have been four years had he not hurt his knee in his freshman year.

Garcia already showed that he doesn’t shy away from a challenge. He participated in the Senior Bowl and showed he belonged on the field. He can be another athletic Bears lineman to join Cody Whitehair and Kyle Long.