Chicago Bears

2017 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Mock Draft

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:29 p.m. ET

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Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) and quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) takes the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears are on track to get an early pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and land a big-time prospect.

The Chicago Bears are having a rough season with not many positives to focus on. However, they are setting themselves up to have a very early pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Chicago is currently still within reach of landing the No. 1 overall pick.

Unless they have a dramatic turnaround, the Bears will be in position to add a high-impact player in the 2017 NFL Draft. This is a team with plenty of needs on both sides of the football. Their biggest need is arguably at the quarterback position.

It’s appears to finally be time for the Bears to move on from Jay Cutler. Chicago will need to pay him a hefty sum if they decide to keep him on the roster next year. It will be cheaper and better for the organization to cut him loose during the offseason.

This leaves Chicago with the task of finding a new starting quarterback and preferably someone capable of being the long-term answer. The Bears will be keeping a close eye on the 2017 Draft Class to see if one of the quarterback prospects fit that description.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a quarterback prospect who has established himself as a top-10 lock. This is why my Chicago Bears mock draft goes in a different direction with the 1st round pick.

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) receives congratulations from offensive lineman Mason Cole (52) after he scores a touchdown in the second half against the Colorado Buffaloes at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 45-28. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

First Round- Jabrill Peppers, DB/LB, Michigan

Chicago is likely to have a pick within the top-5 picks of the 2017 NFL Draft. This will give them a shot at adding a versatile defender like Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers. He’s the type of playmaker capable of making an immediate impact.

Peppers is an interesting prospect because he lacks a true position. Michigan has used him at cornerback, safety, linebacker and running back. He currently sends the majority of his time at linebacker where he’s asked to play near the line of scrimmage.

In this role, Peppers shows excellent instincts and the explosiveness needed to attack the ball carrier. He’s also able to match up in coverage against slot receivers, tight ends and running backs. Michigan sees this as the best way to get the most out of his talents.

Things will be a little different at the next level where Peppers could see more time at safety. However, he’ll likely still be asked to spend a lot of time near the line of scrimmage.

Chicago would benefit from his ability to play multiple positions. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio knows how to put players in creative roles in order for them to succeed. Adding another young defender would go a long way to helping the Bears rebuild this unit.

Oct 20, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

Second Round- Brad Kaaya, QB, Miami

The 2nd round might be the Bears best chance to address the quarterback position. Hear they’ll be able to target someone with upside who might not be ready to step immediately into a starting role. The key is for them to find someone with the potential to develop into a long-term starter.

Miami’s Brad Kaaya is a solid option as someone who has shown the ability to run a pro-style offense. He has experience sitting in the pocket, going through his progressions and reading defenses. Miami is one of the few teams out there that is committed to running a pro-style attack.

Kaaya isn’t without his faults with the biggest being his lack of elite arm strength. He has enough arm power to make all the necessary throws, but will have issues cutting through the wind and generating zip to the sideline.

This is something the Bears will need to really consider before they pull the trigger on Kaaya. However, arm strength isn’t everything and Kaaya makes up for this issue with good anticipation.

His experience reading defenses and making quick decisions is exactly what NFL evaluators look for when a prospect lacks top-end arm strength.

Oct 7, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against Boston College at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Third Round- Jordan Leggett, TE, Clemson

The Chicago Bears rolled the dice this year when they decided to trade Martellus Bennett. It left them with the oft-injured Zach Miller and several uninspiring backups. So far, things have worked out as well as expected with Miller being able to remain on the field.

However, Chicago needs to think towards the future and address the position in the 2017 NFL Draft. Clemson’s Jordan Leggett is a solid mid-round option for the Bears. He’s more of a pass-catching tight end who features good athleticism.

Leggett pairs his athleticism with good size and strong hands. He’s features reliable hands and the ability to high-point the football. This would be a great addition for a team looking to make a change at the quarterback position.

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Often times, the tight end serves as a safety blanket for the quarterback—especially for those new to the league. Chicago needs someone behind Miller capable of stepping up if injury should strike.

The uncertainty at the wide receiver position also makes adding a pass-catching tight end important. Chicago is facing an uphill battle to bring back star receiver Alshon Jeffery who is currently playing on the franchise tag.

This year’s tight end class has some real talent and represents the Bears best option to upgrade the position.

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is pursued by Clemson Tigers defensive tackle Carlos Watkins (94) in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Fourth Round- Carlos Watkins, DL, Clemson

The Chicago Bears have done a solid job building the depth and talent along the defensive line. Eddie Goldman, Akiem Hicks and Jonthan Bullard are all keepers. These three have the potential to develop into an above average group.

However, it’s important to have depth at the position. Defensive linemen take a beating and are more effective when fresh. This is why adding a big-bodied prospect like Clemson’s Carlos Watkins is a wise decision.

More from With the First Pick

Watkins is a raw but physically gifted defender. He uses his big frame and natural strength to hold at the point of attack. His best trait is his ability to stuff the run and occupy blockers. He makes it really tough for offensive linemen to move him off the line of scrimmage.

There’s also some pass-rush potential thanks to Watkins’ solid first step. He flashes the ability to shoot the gap and penetrate the pocket. However, Watkins needs to work on his timing and focus on keeping his pads down.

The pad level is something that would also help him develop a more effective bull rush.

Watkins has enough upside that he may not last until the 4th round. However, his inconsistency could push him down to this part of the draft.

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