Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Pre-Combine Edition

“With the 181st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select…”

At this point in the draft, teams are focusing on adding depth, special teams bodies, and even taking some dart throw chances on some prospects.

In an attempt to bolster the front seven, the Bears decide to take a calculated gamble on Jack Cichy, who missed all of 2017 due to a torn ACL. Instead of taking a medical redshirt for the season and getting a chance to play in 2018, he opted for the 2018 NFL Draft.

Prior to the injury, Cichy was a stout defender for the Badgers in 2016.

He tallied 60 tackles, seven for a loss, 1.5 sacks, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles. He can not only defend the run but can also drop back into coverage. Cichy will fill in at inside linebacker in Vic Fangio’s defense. However, it’s possible he takes snaps as a pass-rusher as needed.

The catch with all of this is that we don’t know what player Cichy will be upon return. He has dealt with some bad injuries in the past (he missed his last 20 games). His Combine medical reports could really dictate where he lands in the draft.

A good reason why the Bears may as well take a whirl with the former walk-on is that they could use the linebacker depth. The Bears just released Jerrel Freeman and Pernell McPhee. Not to mention Willie Young may be next. Meanwhile, Sam Acho, Lamarr Houston, John Timu, and Christian Jones are all going to be free agents. In short, the cupboards may be a bit barren after free agency.