Chicago Bears 2017 Mock Draft: Playing Percentages
Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Jalen Tabor (31) looks on during the first quarter of the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
As is the case every year, the draft priorities for the Chicago Bears continue to shift from week to week. It’s impossible to predict which way they will go.
What is clear above anything else is they do have certain areas of the roster that need help. That’s true for both the offense and defense. It’s a matter of how things will be stacked up for them when they go on the clock. Here is their latest mock draft, complete with how it could go depending on the latest information.
1st Round (via TEN from LA)
Titans get #3 pick
Bears get #10 pick, #16 pick and 3rd in 20181
Teez Tabor
CB, Florida
Kyle Fuller may be done there. Tracy Porter is aging and can’t stay healthy, nor can Bryce Callahan. This team needs stability at that crucial spot. Teez Tabor is right up their alley. The Florida standout has all the tools. He’s tall, rangy and athletic. He plays with a high degree of swagger, is fluid in his movement and knows how to get his hands on the football. One of those man cover corners who can trail the best receiver on every team they face.
Oct 1, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers offensive lineman Adam Bisnowaty (69) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Marshall Thundering Herd safety C.J. Reavis (1) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 43-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
1st Round (via TEN)
2
Adam Bisnowaty
OT, Pitt
People continue to overlook Adam Bisnowaty and that’s a real shame. He’s quietly been one of the top tackles in the nation. The lead blocker for a highly productive Pitt offense. He’s rock solid in pass protection, showing great technique and movement skills. To top it off he shows a good degree of power and nasty as a run blocker as well. He would have no trouble making the transition to the right side if asked.
Oct 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) throws a pass against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 4th quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Notre Dame defeats Miami 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
2nd Round
3
Brad Kaaya
QB, Miami (Fl.)
At the same time it’s easy to see why many people like him. He’s an even-keel, tough kid who can take hits and keeps getting up. His outer demeanor doesn’t show much but he’s clearly a competitor. The arm strength is there and he knows how to operate from inside the pocket with good poise. The big question is can he improve with better protection and weapons around him? Chicago is willing to put him behind Jay Cutler and find out.
Sep 12, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Boise State Broncos wide receiver Shane Williams-Rhodes (1) is tackled from behind by Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Kai Nacua (12) in the third quarter at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Brigham Young won the game 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
3rd Round
4
Kai Nacua
S, BYU
BYU often can churn out some high quality talent. The Bears should know. Jim McMahon came from there. Kai Nacua is a name they almost certainly are hearing about. The 6’2″ safety is emerging as one of the best ball hawks in the country. He had six interceptions last season as a junior and already has four in 2016. His instinct is outstanding and he doesn’t shirk his tackling duties. If he’s on the board here, it’s a steal.
Oct 1, 2016; Tallahassee, FL, USA; North Carolina Tarheels wide receiver Ryan Switzer (3) runs the ball during the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
4th Round
5
Ryan Switzer
WR, North Carolina
Mitch Trubisky is one of the hottest quarterback names out there. A big reason for that is because he has a dynamic receiving talent in Ryan Switzer. Just watching him for 10-15 plays in a game and people will instantly draw visions of former Pro Bowler Wes Welker. The young man may be undersized but he’s very quick, a precise route runner, tough and is fearless going over the middle. He plays so much bigger than he actually is.
Sep 19, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; South Alabama Jaguars tight end Gerald Everett (12) runs for a touchdown after making a fourth quarter catch as San Diego State Aztecs defensive back Na
4th Round (via BUF)
6
Gerald Everett
TE, South Alabama
Chicago is comfortable with veteran Zach Miller as their primary tight end, but he’s getting into his 30s now. They can’t trust he’ll be in peak form much longer. The depth behind him at this point is bad. There are no proven commodities on the roster, young or old. That is why this pick was inevitable. Everett will be able to slide into the #2 spot, learn behind Miller and hopefully become their main guy in a year or two.
Oct 29, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) is brought down by South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Darius English (5) and South Carolina Gamecocks defensive lineman Dante Sawyer (95) in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
5th Round
7
Darius English
OLB, South Carolina
People were skeptical of what the Bears could do with Leonard Floyd who had just 4.5 sacks his final year at Georgia. Now he has three in his past two games. English has the same upside. Chicago may not have a huge need for pass rushers but that is no excuse to stop adding them. Deeper rotations keep players fresher during games and allow defenses to attack quarterbacks in waves. It’s how winning championships is done. Ask Denver.
Oct 1, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) drops back to pass against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
6th Round
8
C.J. Beathard
QB, Iowa
After two years of not taking a quarterback, the Bears decide to double down in 2016. After grabbing Kaaya early, they scoop up Iowa standout C.J. Beathard in the 6th. He looked like a possible high choice as well thanks to his mix of good decision-making, accurate passing and toughness. However, the misfortunes of his team and his own lagging productivity is almost certain to hurt his stock. He still has considerable upside though and is definitely worth the flier.
7th Round
9
Sam Rogers
FB, Virginia Tech
Reviving the fullback position seemed like one of the goals for the Bears this year but thus far they really haven’t gotten a ton out of Paul Lasike. Though he blocks well enough, he doesn’t offer much in terms of versatility. Sam Rogers would change that. Not only does he block, but he can run the ball, catch it like a receiver and has even thrown a touchdown pass. His presence would make Chicago’s offense even harder to predict. That of course is the goal.
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