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Chicago Bears: Seven-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft for Start of April

By Dan Schmelzer

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Evan Engram
Oct 1, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) scores a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Memphis Tigers at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 48-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

I love the idea of the Bears taking Watson with the third overall pick. However, if they do so, they need to surround him with enough talent to have some success. As things stand right now, the Bears are set at two areas in their offense, running back and interior offensive line.

Jordan Howard seems to be a legitimate franchise back who you can build an offense around and their interior offensive line trio of Josh Sitton, Cody Whitehair and Kyle Long is as good as it gets. Unfortunately, besides that, the Bears have nothing but needs on the offensive side of the ball.

Getting Watson and/or Glennon a playmaking tight end would be a good first step in building the rest of their offense. In the second round of this mock draft, the Bears snag Ole Miss tight end Evan Engram.

Engram is an extremely gifted tight end prospect who has a ton of upside at the next level. He shows the ability to stretch the middle of the field with his speed and has exciting catch-and-run skills as well. Engram also shows fantastic athleticism that consistently shows up in jump ball situations. His concentration also stands out as Engram does a fantastic job of catching the ball in traffic.

Engram showed off his wide array of skills at the combine, putting up an incredible 4.42 40-yard dash. He also impressed with a 36-inch vertical leap and a 6.92-second three-cone drill. Engram has elite speed, athleticism and quickness and is a 6-3, 234-pound man. That combination of skills and size represent a ton of upside at the next level.

The Ole Miss product is not a reliable blocker, but he is a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field. He could be a huge weapon for Glennon or Watson as an elite-level security blanket. When you’re in trouble, just throw it up to him or dump it off and let him make a play after the catch.

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