Chicago Bears address major needs in this mock draft

This is one where it came down to picking between a defensive or offensive tackle. The offensive line needing help leads to the Bears taking an offensive tackle in the sixth round.

Paul, not the basketball player, but the offensive tackle out of Tulsa, is the Chicago Bears’ last pick of the draft.

The choice came down to Paul and Idaho’s mammoth defensive tackle, Noah Elliss. If the Bears were still in a 3-4 base defense or using the 4-3 base, two-gap defense (think back to the Dick Jauron days with Keith Traylor and Ted Washington), the 360-pound plus monster would have been the pick. Since the Bears are going with the 4-3 base, one-gap defense Elliss does not fit the mold.

Paul is a project and may have to move inside. It is another instance where the Bears address the offensive tackle position in the later rounds.

The Bears still have two very young, talented linemen in Teven Jenkins and Larry Borom who can be starters at tackle for the next 10 years.

I also expect Ryan Poles to address bringing in some competition or a starter at tackle through free agency. This pick is just a chance to bring in a lineman who can be developed to either be a swing tackle or compete at guard.

The Bears need to start throwing more resources at the offensive line. Bringing Paul into the mix is one more resource to find ways to keep Justin Fields upright.

Plus, Paul can always be sent to the practice squad for development.

His long arms and quick feet give him a chance to be a tackle at the NFL. The best part of taking a tackle is the value you can get. If he does not work out at tackle, he can still be tried out at guard.

Paul also had some good Senior Bowl practices against some top pass rushers.

The chance to get some positional versatility is another reason why the pick was made. Paul has had starts at all offensive line positions except center.

The Chicago Bears came into this mock draft simulation with five picks and left with seven players. They pick up their starting nickelback, some intriguing secondary players, a big-play threat at wide receiver, and more help on the offensive line.