Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: Let’s get wild, trade up
By Ryan Heckman
Round 5, Pick 164: Offensive Tackle Justin Herron, Wake Forest
We have mocked Justin Herron to the Bears in previous mocks, and in the fifth round, I really believe he is a great value. The 6-foot-4 offensive lineman was a long-time starter for Wake Forest and comes with plenty of experience already.
The nice thing about Herron is that he has played both left and right tackle, but he’s quick and athletic enough that guard might even be an option for him. In a group that was subpar last year for Chicago, Herron’s athleticism and versatility give him a chance to really compete and maybe become a strong backup option at the very least.
Round 5, Pick 177: Safety J.R. Reed, Georgia
The Bears have a few guys in their safety room now after free agency, as they re-signed both Deon Bush and DeAndre Houston-Carson while also adding former Kansas City Chiefs safety Jordan Lucas. Out of those three, I think Bush has the best chance to start next to Eddie Jackson.
But, someone like J.R. Reed out of Georgia might come in and shake things up in the competition. His best trait above all else is his intelligence. He won’t blow you away with his athleticism, but his technique is excellent and he has a strong feel for the game overall.