Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Big trade addresses WR, Bears add a QB

Speaking of the interior of that offensive line, the Bears go right back to the well in the second round. Chicago goes with Minnesota Gophers center John Michael Schmitz. The Bears had maybe the worst center in football last season with Sam Mustipher getting bulldozed over and over again.

In Schmitz, the Bears get one of the best inside zone linemen in the draft. He is able to play center or guard, but will likely end up in the middle. The Bears need to solidify that position, especially considering the center is the leader of this group. Schmitz is powerful and an excellent run blocker, but he’s also strong in pass protection. This is an easy pick here at no. 54 overall and the Bears now have three above-average, young starters on the offensive line.

Now, it’s time for another trade.

In this deal, the Bears move back to no. 71 with the Saints and recoup picks no. 71 and 147.

With the 71st pick in the draft, Chicago goes with a wide receiver who will end up being one of the biggest draft risers of the pre-draft process. Tennessee has a nice crop of wide receivers, but Cedric Tillman’s ceiling might be even greater than Jalin Hyatt.

Tillman had an incredible 2021 season where he caught 64 passes for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns. This past season, he missed a few games with an ankle injury and thus his production suffered. He also took a back seat to Hyatt as Hendon Hooker’s top target.

Still, the 6-foot-3 Tillman presents such a tantalizing prospect to add to this Bears offense. In an offense where Fields loves to sling it, he gives his quarterback a big frame with skilled body control and someone who can go up and get the ball. He’ll not only go get it, but take it from a would-be interceptor. He’s another alpha type, though his numbers in 2022 don’t necessarily show that.