Bears 7-round mock draft: Chicago overhauls defense early
· Yahoo Sports
The NFL draft is officially just a week away, nearing an end to all the speculation, rumors, and mock drafts that have been published since shortly after the season ended in February. The Chicago Bears have plenty of eyes on what they will do, with their first round pick slotted at the No. 25 position.
Chicago has been mentioned to potentially be linked on the trade market with their extra draft capital after picking up a second-round pick in their trade of DJ Moore, and they are expected to look defense often and early in the draft. The Bears defense lost several veterans while their two biggest signings in free agency came on defense with safety Coby Bryant and linebacker Devin Bush.
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With plenty of capital they can use and several directions they can go, here is our latest seven-round mock draft for the Bears, where they overhaul the defense and find their center of the future.
Round 1, Pick 25: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a continued selection here for the Bears throughout my mock drafts because safety should be the top priority. There are two other safeties expected to be taken in the first round, and if both Caleb Downs and Dillon Thieneman are off the board, Chicago should not hesitate to take McNeil-Warren, who fits the mold of what type of safety that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is looking for.
Round 2, Pick 57: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Full disclosure, I would not be upset if this pick was used for the Bears to acquire a player such as Dexter Lawrence, who they've been linked to with the draft just a week away. If they keep the pick, Brandon Cisse would be an interesting selection to add to their secondary as they look to replace the loss of Nahshon Wright this offseason. Physical at the line of scrimmage and very good in his run defense, Cisse could be an intriguing fit in Dennis Allen's defense.
Round 2, Pick 60: Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois
No matter what the Bears do early on, they have to address the secondary and the edge rush positions as soon as possible. When looking at pure pass rushers with plenty of power and a relentless motor, Gabe Jacas fits the mold perfectly for that style of edge rusher. With Montez Sweat on the opposite side and Austin Booker also at the edge rusher position, Jacas could ease into a role and be used in specific packages as the defense looks to get after opposing quarterbacks.
Round 3, Pick 89: Sam Hecht, C, Kansas St.
Following the retirement of Drew Dalman this offseason, Chicago made a trade for veteran center Garrett Bradbury, but they need to find a long-term and young option behind him as he's on a one-year deal. The Bears met with Sam Hecht early on in the pre-draft process, and he's an intriguing selection as a player who can sit and learn behind Bradbury, with also the potential to step up as a rookie and start if needed.
Round 4, Pick 129: Lander Barton, LB, Utah
A massive, physical linebacker with NFL ties, Lander Barton would be a good fit for the Bears linebacker core as he is someone who is known for his ball-hawking ability and clean tackling efficiency. Both of those traits are key for the scheme of defense that Chicago plays under Dennis Allen. Getting to opponents as quickly as possible and minimizing big plays will help turnaround the defense if Barton gets an opportunity to step on the field next season.
Round 7, Pick 239: De'Zhaun Stribling, WR Ole Miss
De'Zhaun Stribling just met with the Bears for a Top-30 visit and the intrigue is certainly there to what he could be in Ben Johnson's offense. Last year, seventh-round running back Kyle Monangai not only cracked the roster but made a significant impact. After losing DJ Moore, the receiver room could use Stribling for, at worst, depth purposes. At 6'2" with good speed, Stribling could be a player who quickly works his way into a roster opportunity if he can impress in training camp and the preseason.
Round 7, Pick 241: Logan Fano, EDGE, Utah
You can never have too many edge rushers, and the Bears need as much depth as they can get at the position. Logan Fano is another power rusher who has a high motor, and the best thing that Chicago can add in this draft are players who have a relentless mindset to not only produce but crack the roster no matter where their draft position was. He'll have to make an impact on special teams to see more opportunities, but Fano could provide much-needed depth.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears 7-round mock draft: Chicago overhauls defense early