Chicago Bears: Final 7-Round 2019 NFL Mock Draft

Decisions, decisions, decisions…

I struggled on this pick. I found myself trying to select a defensive back that would be more than capable of replacing Adrian Amos or Bryce Callahan. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is only on the hook for one season, and if he plays well, then he’s gone (which I think we all expect either way). Buster Skrine’s guaranteed money isn’t a major figure, either. So a long-term option for either/both needs to be considered here.

The goal in mind with such an important position is to not only draft for need but to also get good bang for buck. So that’s why I went with a personal favorite in Mike Edwards. In general, I really like all of the Kentucky defensive backs from last season. So this worked out a little better than anticipated. Getting him at the beginning of day three would be something of a small victory to me. I could see him sneaking in at the end of round two.

To begin with, Edwards made 44 consecutive starts for the Wildcats. So you can automatically check off the “experience” box. He also played in just about every role in the secondary, so he’s also ticking off the “versatility” box as well. Edwards is a willing run defender and has the anticipation skills to attack the box.

From a size and athletic standpoint, his ceiling isn’t super high. He’ll need to show he can play and win in man coverage at the next level, as Kentucky played a lot of Cover 3 and 4 last season.

I think out of the gate, he finds snaps in the slot and possibly in dime situations. Go wet his beak early on in his career with sub-package work and special teams. That way, when the time comes, stick him next to Eddie Jackson and wreak havoc.