Chicago Bears: Pre-NFL Combine mock draft

Mike Bell, S – Fresno State University

The Bears could find themselves in the market for a new safety, depending on what they decide to do with free agent, Adrian Amos. Of the two free agents remaining on the Bears, Amos is the less likely to re-sign. He will be much more pricey than Bryce Callahan, and the Bears simply may not be able to afford him.

If they are looking for a safety, they could find themselves a gem in the third round in Mike Bell. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound safety has excellent instincts. Whether those instincts are natural or a result of meticulous preparation, he has a knack for diagnosing plays and getting a jump on the receiver.

Using those instincts, he gains an advantage over speedier receivers by beating them to the spot. Once there, Bell is not shy of contact and can deliver a wallop.

Not only does Bell hit hard, but he’s a pretty sure tackler as well. With Chuck Pagano likely to be more aggressive this year, it could leave the secondary a little more vulnerable. Therefore, it’s imperative to have players like Bell who are unlikely to give up a big play or miss on a key tackle.

The reality is that there is a decent chance Bell isn’t even around when the Bears make their first selection. Though projected as a third-round pick at the moment, a strong showing at the Combine could catapult him higher.