Yahoo Autos Bears load up on impact players in ESPN’s new 7-round mock draft
The Chicago Bears traded the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers for a haul, and they’re still in a prime position at ninth overall.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid unveiled a seven-round mock draft featuring all 259 picks, which includes 10 selections for the Bears.
While there are a number of needs to address, the biggest no doubt along the defensive line — at tackle and edge rusher — as well as offensive line and cornerback which are addressed in this mock.
When all is said and done, the Bears make 10 picks in the NFL draft Here’s a look at each pick:
Round 1, Pick 9: OT Broderick Jones, Georgia
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With their first pick in the draft, Reid has the Bears targeting a top offensive tackle in Georgia’s Broderick Jones at No. 9. He’s the first tackle off the board over guys like Peter Skoronski and Paris Johnson Jr.
Here’s what Reid said about Jones:
Don’t be surprised if Jones is the top offensive tackle off the board. I continue to hear his name in this range. General manager Ryan Poles covets length and physical traits, and Jones might have the most upside of the tackles in this class. The interesting dynamic about this is that Braxton Jones, a fifth-round pick last year, showed promise as the starter at left tackle. Would Jones slot into the right or left tackle spot here? It’s a great problem to have for a Chicago team that continues to remodel its offense around quarterback Justin Fields.
The Bears have a need at offensive tackle, where Braxton Jones is currently penciled in at left tackle while Larry Borom is a placeholder at right tackle for an incoming draft pick. Jones can play either left or right tackle, so it’s a matter of where Chicago deems him fit.
Round 2, Pick 53 (from BAL): EDGE Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
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Chicago doesn’t pick again until No. 53, and they use that selection to address defensive end with Notre Dame edge rusher Isaiah Foskey.
Here’s what Reid said about Foskey:
General manager Ryan Poles should use assets toward a defensive line that struggled last season. To put into context how bad the Bears’ pass rush was a year ago, safety Jaquan Brisker led them in sacks — with four. Foskey put up 11 in back-to-back seasons for the Fighting Irish.
The Bears had the worst pass rush in the NFL last season, managing just 20 sacks in 17 games. And, to make matters worse, they didn’t significantly upgrade at the position in free agency. Chicago needs a rookie who can step in immediately as a starter and be an impact contributor. That could be Foskey.
Round 2, Pick 61 (from CAR via SF): CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
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With their second pick in the second round, the Bears address an underrated need with Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents at No. 61.
Here’s what Reid said about Brents:
Kyler Gordon bounced back and forth between the nickel and outside spots as a rookie, and it will be interesting to watch which position he plays during his second year. Drafting Brents to play alongside Jaylon Johnson would give the Bears another young option in a secondary that needs a second option to emerge. At 6-3, 198 pounds, Brents is a perfect fit outside in coach Matt Eberflus’ scheme.
While the offseason discussion has focused around the needs at defensive and offensive lines — and rightfully so — cornerback is also a position that needs to be addressed. Jaylon Johnson is the only proven commodity while Kyler Gordon, who played both outside and nickel, ended his rookie season on a high note. Brents is someone who could be paired with Johnson on the outside and allow Gordon to play exclusively in the slot.
Round 3, Pick 64: DT Zacch Pickens, South Carolina
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Reid has the Bears addressing defense with three consecutive picks with the selection of South Carolina defensive tackle Zacch Pickens at No. 64.
Here’s what Reid said about Pickens:
After going offensive tackle for the Bears at pick No. 9, I’ve projected them to address their defense in three straight picks. They need help along the interior of the D-line, and 6-4, 291-pound Pickens would provide an immediate boost to a unit that lacked talent a season ago.
The Bears only have two defensive tackles on the roster in Justin Jones and Andrew Billings, so they need to add a couple in the draft. Matt Eberflus is still in search of a disruptive 3-technique to power his defense, and Pickens could be the guy.
Round 4, Pick 103: IOL Ricky Stromberg, Arkansas
