Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Post Super Bowl

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:54 p.m. ET

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Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach John Fox (left) talks with general manager Ryan Pace (right) prior to a preseason NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Like most of the NFL, the Chicago Bears have had their attention on the offseason for a while and have no doubt gone through some 2017 NFL Mock Draft Scenarios.

The Chicago Bears have a lot of work to do this offseason if they hope to make a legitimate run at the playoffs. Their biggest need is at the quarterback position where they plan on parting ways with long-time starter Jay Cutler.

Chicago is in the same boat as many other franchises in the fact that the top 2017 quarterback prospects come with more question marks than in past years. This uncertainty surrounding the quarterback prospects has spurred trade interest in veterans like Jimmy Garoppolo and AJ McCarron.

The Bears are one of the teams reportedly preparing to make a run at Garoppolo which would impact how they approach the draft.

However, it’s unlikely Chicago would part with the No. 3 overall pick to land an unproven quarterback like Garoppolo or AJ McCarron. They instead would look to package a few mid-round picks.

The No. 3 pick represents a chance for the Bears to land a potentially franchise-altering piece. This pick is arguably the most important decision the team has had to make in a very long time. Making the wrong selection could set them back several years in the rebuilding process.

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

1st Round- Pick No. 3 Overall- Jonathan Allen, Defensive Line, Alabama

The Chicago Bears are in an interesting position as a franchise as they decide how to best use the No. 3 overall pick. They have a glaring hole at the quarterback position, but may find it hard to trust any of the quarterback prospects in this draft.

Chicago would be best served by going with the best player available which in this case could be Alabama’s Jonathan Allen.

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The Bears already have a solid defensive front-7 but adding someone like Allen has the potential to take the unit to the next level.

Allen is a power player who has a knack for disrupting the timing of the offense. He uses a combination of strength, quickness and toughness to impact all aspects of the game.

Chicago would use him at the 5-technique position which would line him up alongside Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks. These three players would create a young and highly talented group capable of dominating the line of scrimmage.

The Bears could go in a different direction with this pick depending how free agency shakes out. It’s possible that they move on from Alshon Jeffery which would make Clemson’s Mike Williams a realistic option at No. 3.

Williams is an explosive athlete with the size and leaping ability to create big plays downfield.

Sep 17, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) rushes on Michigan Wolverines quarterback Wilton Speight (3) and causes a fumble in the first quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Round- Pick No. 36 Overall- Chidobe Awuzie, Corner back, Colorado

Chicago’s secondary was a major issue through the 2016 season. Some of this had to do with injury problems but mainly surrounded the overall lack of talent. The Bears realistically could add a new starter at both cornerback and safety positions.

Colorado’s Chidobe Awuzie is a versatile defender who has experience playing cornerback, in the slot and safety. This type of versatility is something every defensive coordinator loves.

He’s a fluid athlete who can stick in-phase with his target. Awuzie commits himself to keeping a balanced stance which helps him click and close on the football. He’s an aggressive defender who will fight through contact and support the run.

There are plenty of rumors circulating that the Bears are going to make a play for the New England Patriots Jimmy Garoppolo which would likely cost them this pick. The Bears won’t give up the No. 3 pick in that trade, but this pick and another mid-round selection would likely be on the table.

If the Bears are able to work out a trade for Garoppolo it would have a major impact on how the rest of their draft plays out. Obviously, it would rule out the team drafting a quarterback during the 2017 NFL Draft.

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

3rd Round- Pick No. 67 Overall- Brad Kaaya, Quarterback, Miami

This pick only takes place if the Chicago Bears do not orchestrate a trade with the New England Patriots to land Jimmy Garoppolo. That trade would cost the Bears enough draft picks that they can’t afford to use another to select a quarterback.

The market for Garoppolo will be robust which means there’s a strong possibility that the Bears are unable to land the young quarterback. If that’s the case, Chicago needs to use one of their draft picks to bring in a quarterback prospect.

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Miami’s Brad Kaaya is an interesting prospect who has the talent and experience to have a long NFL career. One of this best attributes is the fact that he has experience running a pro-style offense. He’s use to working from under center, calling plays in the huddle and going through his reads.

While Kaaya has tons of talent, he needs to improve his overall accuracy and show he has a strong enough arm to succeed in the NFL.

If the Bears are able to land Garoppolo they will go in a different direction with this pick. A cornerback like Tennessee’s Cam Sutton would be a great option. Sutton is experienced cornerback who can work out of the slot or on the edge.

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

4th Round- Jordan Leggett, Tight End, Clemson

4th Round- Chad Hansen, Wide Receiver, California

The Chicago Bears have needs all across their roster, but one of the most glaring issues is the lack of explosive offensive weapons. Chicago can’t continue to rely on players like Alshon Jeffery and Kevin White who can’t stay on the field.

They need to use this offseason to add depth at both the wide receiver and tight end position. If they keep all their picks, the 4th round would represent an opportunity to address both of these needs.

Clemson’s Jordan Leggett is a savvy route runner who can make an impact in the passing game. He isn’t much of a blocker, but the Bears need a tight end capable of putting pressure on the linebackers and safeties.

Leggett should be available at this point because of the tight end depth in the draft. He also doesn’t have the same level of explosiveness as some of the tight ends available.

Chad Hansen is a bigger target who shows excellent straight line speed. He’s capable of taking the top off a defense and making plays down the field. The problem is that he needs a lot of work as a route runner, but would serve as a great developmental pick.