Chicago Bears: Final 7-round mock draft

Pre-Combine Mock Selection: Tremaine Edmunds, Linebacker, Virginia Tech

Pre-Free Agency Mock Selection: Denzel Ward, Cornerback, Ohio State

There’s not much reason to argue this selection because it just seems destined to happen. Considered by few as the best prospect in this entire draft, Quenton Nelson is a scary person. Were it not for the inevitable rush of quarterbacks, Saquon Barkley, and Bradley Chubb, he’d be off the board earlier.

But that’s not the nature of the situation, which will make the stars align on this selection.

Josh Sitton being released earlier in the offseason left a gaping hole in the interior of the Bears’ offensive line. Cody Whitehair’s versatility can allow Chicago to go guard or center early on in the draft. Also look at their division: the Lions franchise tagged Ziggy Ansah, the Packers added Muhammad Wilkerson, and the Vikings signed Sheldon Richardson.

There’s no reason why Ryan Pace is passing the best guard prospect in the entire draft.

Especially when you consider reuniting him with former Notre Dame Offensive Line coach Harry Hiestand.

This beast is just a powerful run-blocker and solid pass protector to boot. Anyone who’s heard of him has already seen this clip a hundred times:

The one thing that stands out to me with this play?

The vision and movement to see a safety blitz from the opposite side of the line.

The fact he recognizes this so quickly and pops the guy is just incredible. Brandon Wimbush does airmail the pass. Instead, I’d like you to imagine Mitchell Trubisky completing a pass to Allen Robinson or Trey Burton.

The thought of the Bears deploying an interior line of Nelson, Whitehair, and a healthy Kyle Long seems too good to be true.