Bears complete seven-round mock draft with three trades originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Fake drafts are fun, that’s why we make them. It’s even more fun when you’re playing as the No. 1 draft pick. That’s the case for Bears fans this year, and that’s why we really got into crafting fake drafts this year. We did first-round mocks only, mocks with a lot of rallies, mocks with no rallies, mocks that focus on offense, and mocks that focus on defense. Now, for the first time, we’re doing a full draft in seven rounds.
The purpose of these exercises is not to predict exactly what will happen in April. It’s impossible. It’s about exploring what might happen and acquainting people with certain academic perspectives in various positions. We will be doing more over the next few months and some of the names will be different. Again, this is for multi-player coverage, and of course for fun. So please enjoy.
BEAR SEND NO. 1 PICK, 2024 FOURTH ROUND PICK AT THE COLTS IN TRADE FOR NO. 4 ROOMS, NO. 35, 2024 FIRST ROUND PICK, 2024 THIRD ROUND PICK
It seems like a big move for the Colts to move up three spots, but bidding against division rivals for a top QB prospect makes the GMs in the hot seat do some crazy things. Also, the dummy draft machine let me do it, so we’re running with it.
NO. 4: WILL ANDERSON – EDGE – ALABAMA
Bryce Young and CJ Stroud went with the top two picks, then the Cardinals took Jalen Carter at No. 3. The Bears are happy to land a hard-hitting pass to bolster their worst defensive line in the league.
BEAR SEND NO. 35 PICK TO SEAHAWKS IN EXCHANGE FOR NO. 37, NO. 122 CHOICES
The Bears tried to use the No. 35 pick to go up and select Will McDonald from Iowa State, but nothing came together. The team therefore opted to stay put and select BJ Ojulari instead. But Ojulari got shot just before the Bears clocked the clock, so they drop back a few spots and pick up an extra fourth round.
NO. 37: DALTON KINCAID – TIGHT END – UTAH
Ryan Poles, Matt Eberflus and Luke Getsy all love Cole Kmet. He’s part of the attack’s plans moving forward, of course, and yet the team could benefit from more playmakers in that position. In his final two seasons at Utah, Kincaid scored 16 touchdowns. He immediately gives the Bears a dangerous set of two tight ends.
NO. 54: JOHN MICHAEL SCHMITZ – CENTER – MINNESOTA
The Poles signed Lucas Patrick last season in hopes that he could become the team’s long-term answer at centre, but multiple injuries kept Patrick out of the role for any significant amount of time. The team makes this choice both to provide competition and add depth, but also to serve as a contingency if Patrick doesn’t perform. Schmitz should feel comfortable in the Bears’ running program and has the athleticism to succeed. However, the Bears like his poor finish on the blocks the most.
NO. 64: JALIN HYATT – WIDE RECEIVER – TENNESSEE
The Bears take another swing by drafting a wide receiver from Tennessee in the third round, this time with Hyatt, the 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner. Like Velus Jones Jr., Hyatt jumped onto the draft boards after a phenomenal season at Tennessee. Hyatt’s, however, was much more productive. He’s had 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 games, compared to Jones Jr.’s 807 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games in 2021.
NO. 103: ANDREW VORHEES – OFFENSIVE GUARD – USC
The Bears continue to strengthen the offensive line by drafting eventual replacement Cody Whitehair at left guard. Vorhees has been one of the Trojans’ most consistent offensive linemen in a long time. He’s played a lot of games in a lot of positions and is equally capable of running blocking and protecting passes. Vorhees’ draft stock has been hit with a few injuries in his career, but if he stays healthy he can be an absolute steal in the fourth round.
NO. 122: JARTAVIUS MARTIN – CORNER BACK – ILLINOIS
Martin is a good candidate for the Eberflus program as he is a capable running defender and makes plays on the ball in coverage. During his Fighting Illini career, Martin intercepted seven passes, interrupted 30, and forced four fumbles while recovering two more.
NO. 137: TYJAE SPEARS – RUNNING BACK – TULANE
If the Bears don’t re-sign David Montgomery or spend on another running back, they’ll have to find a running partner for Khalil Herbert in the draft. Spears was one of the most spirited players in the Senior Bowl due to his great playing ability, and we know the Poles value player performance throughout Senior Bowl week.
BEAR SEND NO. 150 AND NO. 220 JETS PICKS FOR NO. 145 AND 2024 SEVENTH ROUND PICKS
NO: 145: IVAN PACE – LINEBACKER – CINCINNATI
The Poles didn’t want to break the bank for Roquan Smith, but he still has to address the linebacking group. He couldn’t let Pace slip through his fingers, so he traded five places to grab him. The knock on Pace is that he’s too small for the job, but he can play. Pace racked up 10 tackles in the Senior Bowl and was named the game’s MVP. Poles hopes he will be this year’s Jack Sanborn.
NO. 178 – ALI GAYE – EDGE – LSU
The Bears need to stock up on defensive talent, so they’re taking another swing with Gaye. He’s a seasoned prospect who played three years at LSU, plus two at JUCO before that. Gaye was named the Tigers’ team captain in 2022.
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