Perfect Picks: Chicago Bears
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Draft Network Mock machine and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Chicago Bears fans are rightly allowed to be harbouring feels of concern as the new league year approaches. Despite this being a playoff team, failure to address the most pressing concern of finding a franchise quarterback is hanging over GM Ryan Pace. Could they find the solution with a round 1 pick? It’s a luxury the Bears haven’t had since 2018 and they will hope to make the most of it, whatever direction they choose.
Round 1 - Pick 20 - Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
The Bears must feel like they are playing a game of musical chairs and the seats are running out. Each time the likes of Jared Goff, Matt Stafford and Carson Wentz were removed the music got louder and the pace quickened. Now, the Bears stand in QB purgatory, the middle of the first round. Too far to make the leap into the top 5 without bankrupting your future and too far back to pick up a falling star.
While Bears’ fans may be wary of selecting Mac Jones, he is likely the last top tier QB left at the dance. Jones is a divisive figure, his lack of athleticism and playmaking mean some see him as a throwback who will struggle in the world of mobile quarterbacking. Others are quick to point out the intelligence, accuracy and ball placement of the guy who replaced Tua Tagovailoa and brought another National Championship to Tuscaloosa. Whichever way you think, he may end up with the best opportunity to thrive of all the rookie QB’s.
Round 2 - Pick 52 - Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU
The Bears struggled at safety this year. Eddie Jackson is one of the highest paid players at the position but his play last season didn’t show it. Beside him, Tashaun Gipson will be a free agent, likewise Ha-Ha Clinton Dix. Bolstering the secondary and finding Jackson a partner will be on the draft agenda.
While they may prefer a more physical player next to Jackson, the value of getting Moehrig at this stage of the draft is too good. The TCU safety is most draftniks number 1 at the position and it is easy to see why. Ultra-smooth in coverage, he has the athleticism to cover any type of receiver. While his tackling can lack steel he is a good all round safety who should start immediately.
Mid Round Gem - Pick 83 - Osa Odighizuwa, DT, UCLA
UCLA’s Osa Odighizuwa is an undersized defensive tackle in my eyes. While some see him as an outside threat, he certainly has experience of getting penetration on the interior. Either way it will be a welcome relief for Khalil Mack who could always benefit from help on the defensive line. Odighizuwa had 11.5 career sacks in his Bruins career and if he can overcome his 6’2 frame he certainly has enough twitch to cause problems.
The Bears will have Roy Robertson-Harris hitting free agency in 2021 and Akiem Hicks set to follow next year. With Mack now 30, it becomes important for the Bears to keep the d-line fully stocked for his prime years. If opposing offenses know the danger is only coming from one man, it’s fairly easy to scheme against. By having Eddie Goldman and Odighizuwa next to Mack, the Bears would have plenty of firepower.
Late Round Sleeper - Pick 219 - Tamorrion Terry, WR, Florida State
Allen Robinson is being kept in the Windy City against his will, at least for one more year. The Bears must make plans for life after him. While Darnell Mooney provided a bright spot on this offense the rest of the wide receiving group is just a bunch of question marks at this point.
While Tomorrion Terry is not the kind of receiver who would provide immediate answers his traits certainly make him an intriguing pick up at this point of the draft. Terry is 6’4 but has plenty of speed to eat up any cushion cornerbacks give to him. He suffered through being part of a truly mediocre Florida State offense, even shining in 2019. With over 1000 yards and 9 TDs that year, Terry demonstrated his potential. While his game needs refinement, that blend of size and speed will certainly appeal to NFL scouts.
Draft In Full:
20. Mac Jones, Alabama (QB)
52. Trevon Moehrig, TCU (S)
83. Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA (DT)
165. Marlon Williams, UCF (WR)
203. Alaric Jackson, Iowa (OT)
220. Tamorrion Terry, Florida State (WR)
227. DiCaprio Bootle, Nebraska (CB)
231. Jimmy Morrissey, Pittsburgh (iOL)
