Chicago Bears: Way too early 7-round 2018 NFL mock draft

Whether he plays much in 2017 or not, Chicago Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky is the single most important player on the roster. The Bears invested heavily in Trubisky when they traded up one spot to land him with the second-overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The clear quarterback of the future, the Bears need to do what they can to surround Trubisky with talent.

Unless Charles Leno can take a big step forward in 2017, finding a legitimate blind side protector for Trubisky should be towards the top of the Bears’ draft list. With the sixth overall pick in this mock draft, the Bears select my favorite offensive tackle prospect in the class, Texas’ Connor Williams.

Listed at 6-foot-6, 320 pounds, Williams is a big and powerful offensive lineman who can absolutely dominate in the run game. When he attaches himself to an opposing defender, he latches on and drives them backward with ease. He is undoubtedly a high-level run blocker.

While his run blocking skills are impressive, Williams is arguably an even better pass protector. He shows elite athleticism and quickness for the position, always handling even the most impressive speed rushers with ease. Williams would undoubtedly be an ideal blind side protector for Trubisky in the Bears’ offense.

Drafting Williams would take the Bears’ offensive line from a good unit, to a potentially elite one. Their interior offensive line trio of Kyle Long, Cody Whitehair and Josh Sitton is already arguably the best in the game. Adding Williams would give them a legitimate franchise left tackle and allow them to move Leno to the right side where he would be a solid option.

Early in my draft prep for next season, Connor Williams is my favorite first-round target for the Chicago Bears.