Chicago Bears: 7-Round 2017 NFL Mock Draft Filled With Many Exciting Trades
As my target continued to slide, I made trade offers for five consecutive picks before finally getting the Oakland Raiders to bite for number 24. Using some of the draft capital from the earlier trade down and a 2018 4th round pick, I was able to get the Bears in position to land a potential franchise quarterback.
The value of picks traded according to the NFL Draft Trade Value Chart: 800 (plus the 2018 pick) to 759.4, advantage Raiders.
Deshaun Watson is my favorite quarterback in this draft class. If we see him slide like this on draft day, the Chicago Bears should look to aggressively move up and make him their franchise quarterback. It was easier with all of the draft capital after the trade down from number three, but Watson is worth the overpay here regardless.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Next Chicago Bears starting quarterback makes Bowl Game decision
- Chicago Bears appear in the hunt while on track for the first pick
- Chicago Bears: They are who we thought they were
- Chicago Bears Rumors: Kevin Warren to oversee football operations
There are some concerns about his decision-making and deep ball accuracy, but Watson is an incredibly talented quarterback who has a nice future at the next level. He is a proven winner who always steps up and makes plays when his team needs him to the most. Watson is calm under pressure and rarely makes a mistake in a big spot.
His overall accuracy is incredibly impressive and that is the most important part of being an NFL quarterback. His arm is not elite, but it proves to be good enough on tape. Watson is also an athletic quarterback who can make plays with his legs both in and out of the pocket.
His natural skill set and playmaking ability are impressive, but Watson’s intangibles are what set him apart. He is a tough quarterback who was born to lead an NFL team. Watson is also an extremely driven player who would undoubtedly receive motivation from so many teams skipping him in the draft.
Watson could sit for a year on the Bears’ bench, preparing to be the starter in 2018. If Mike Glennon bombs, the Bears could simply part ways with him next offseason and hand the offense over to Watson. If he plays well, they would have two valuable players who could be used as trade assets. I absolutely love trading up for Watson at the end of the first round.