Chicago Bears 7-Round Mock Draft: Ryan Pace goes nuclear

Sticking with the theme, the Bears trade back up into the second round. The New Orleans Saints don’t have a ton of draft capital, so netting two additional picks in a deal with the Bears could serve them well.

Bears Receive: Pick No. 60

Saints Receive: Pick No. 83, Pick No. 164, Pick No. 204

By moving up to pick no. 60, the Bears finally find their long-term solution next to Eddie Jackson by selecting UCF’s Richie Grant.

Grant stands 6-feet tall and gives the Bears a physical, instinctive presence in their secondary. He comes from a program that played him just about everywhere, which is a huge advantage. Grant can play high safety, in the box or even in the slot if need be. Of course, his ideal position with the Bears would be as a strong safety while Jackson continues to be where he plays best, free safety.

One of the things this defense needs to get back to is flocking to the football, and Grant is that type of player. He wants to be in on every play, and has provided UCF with tremendous ball skills over the years, too. Grant likes to be around the football and make plays on the ball. That’s one of his best traits, and the Bears certainly could use more takeaways.

Over the past three seasons, Grant has come up with 16 passes defensed, 10 interceptions, five forced fumbles and three recoveries. He’s as well-rounded of a safety as you will find in this draft class, and the Bears’ secondary is immediately better with him back there.