Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Great value found with players who opted out

We have reached the point where, if Alabama’s Mac Jones is available at pick no. 20, the Bears have to take him. Not trading up could end up hurting them, but if they hold their ground and go for the best player available in the first round, Jones would be a steal.

At one point, just about a month ago, Jones projected as a solid second-round pick. But, much has changed and he’s now looking at being a mid-first or late-first type of guy. Sure, this is the time where you start hearing about several players being first-round “locks,” meaning there will be plenty of talent falling.

Jones looks like he could be that perfect pick for the Bears with some serious talent being selected ahead of him. Still, he’d offer the Bears a real chance at a franchise quarterback.

His experience at Alabama, waiting behind Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, tells us a lot about Jones and his mentality. He didn’t have a lot of time starting at Alabama, because of who was ahead of him. But, when he got his shot, Jones took full advantage.

Don’t let the rest of this shiny draft class overshadow the fact that an intuitive pocket passer threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. Jones had a season for the books.

The Bears would certainly like the addition of a mobile quarterback, but Jones’ style doesn’t fit that mold. He’s not going to take off and run for a bunch of yards, but he’s nimble enough to work his way around the pocket and avoid hits. Jones is a smart football player who doesn’t take many shots into double coverage. He goes through his progressions well and finds the open guy.

That’s all this Bears team needs — a smart, sturdy quarterback who can make the wise throws.