Chicago Bears address major needs in this mock draft
By Todd Welter
The Chicago Bears have major needs to upgrade the roster just to contend for an NFC Wild Card spot.
New general manager Ryan Poles has to address cornerback and the offensive line problems. He also needs to add some wide receivers for quarterback Justin Fields to make big plays. The Chicago Bears could use another tight end or two.
New head coach Matt Eberflus is moving the defense from base 3-4 to a 4-3. That means the Chicago Bears could use some defensive tackles that fit the one-gap style (a defensive tackle who fills one line gap like Tommie Harris did in the 2000s) Eberflus likes to deploy.
Roquan Smith is most likely moving to the WILL linebacker in Eberflus’ scheme. That means the Chicago Bears will need a new middle linebacker.
Tashaun Gipson is set to be a free agent so the Chicago Bears could need another safety alongside Eddie Jackson. The only position the Chicago Bears are sound at is running back, pass rusher, and quarterback. Except the Bears might need a backup if they cut or trade Nick Foles to clear up cap space.
Ryan Poles wants to build up the roster through the NFL draft. The problem he faces heading into this year’s draft is he has just five draft picks and no first-round pick. His predecessor Ryan Pace traded that pick last draft to move up to select Fields.
With limited draft capital, that does not mean Poles can leverage the draft to acquire players to upgrade the roster. Plus, Poles has some salary cap space to use in free agency to address the roster issues.
Using the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator, this mock is one of the many possible ways Poles can get some players to upgrade the roster.
Remember, the NFL Draft Scouting Combine is March 1st-7th. There is still a lot of pro days for prospects at their respective schools to show off their football ability. The prospects’ rankings on draft boards are going to go up and down.
This mock focused on how could the Chicago Bears address some needs based on…
- The best player available.
- Production and player measurables we have ahead of the combine.
- Conference the player is in regards to the position they play (I am a big believer in that).
- Finding a way to trade back to get more picks if possible (I have a hunch Poles will look to trade back to get more picks).