The 2020 NFL Draft is a little over two months away. Nonetheless, I completed a 7-round Bears Mock Draft just a few weeks ago where I kept it rather safe. I had the Bears addressing the TE/OL positions early as many expect them too. However in this mock, I went a different route. With that in mind, let’s jump right in.
Team needs
The Bears have several areas they can look to improve upon in this draft but these are the positions they should look to fill when when on the clock:
IOL, TE, QB, OT, EDGE, S, LB, CB, IDL
Round 1: Khalil Mack
Thank you, Jon Gruden.
Round 2, No. 11 (43rd overall)
Yetur Gross-Matos | Edge | Penn State
Height: 6'5" | Weight: 264
Draft Projection: Round 2
Strengths:
Plays with a high motor. His length is insane which in-turns gives him the ability to often make tackles out of his range. Showcases excellent power.
Weaknesses:
There aren't a lot of red flags when it comes to Matos but one thing that he will need to work on is his ability to process plays at a faster rate.
Summary:
The Bears need help at edge due to the lack of production out of Leonard Floyd and that is why I have them going this route with their first pick in the draft.
Round 2, No. 18 (50th overall):
Brycen Hopkins | TE | Purdue
Height: 6'3 1/2" | Weight: 241
Draft Projection: Round 2
Strengths:
Displays high football IQ. Freak of an athlete and explosive when he has the ball in his hands. Deceptive speed for position. Body control is very impressive for his size. Can work the seam as well as anyone. Runs clean routes and separates very well. Catch radius is off the charts.
Weaknesses:
Has a rather thin frame and won't wow anyone with his blocking -- especially in the run game. His game resembles more of a receiver than a TE.
Summary:
Brycen Hopkins is atop many draft boards when it comes to the tight end position. In 2019, Hopkins had 61 catches, 830 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. His athleticism combined with his ability to make plays after the catch, is what will make him a top target for several teams. He also possess the ability to be a day one impact on a team such as the Bears, who desperately need production at the TE spot.
Round 4, No. 41 (Projected Comp Pick):
Damien Lewis | IOL | LSU
Height: 6’2″ | Weight: 329
Draft Projection: Rounds 3-4
Strengths:
Displays excellent patience and power. Really good run blocker. Great at finishing.
Weaknesses:
Athleticism isn't ideal. His mobility may be his worst trait but it seems to be steadily improving. Lack of range may be an issue as well at the next level.
Summary:
All in all, Damien Lewis is a true monster. And the Bears offensive line desperately needs a guy like that, now more than ever. He has the talent to be a day one impact type of guy if he was to go to a team such as Chicago.
Round 5, No. 17:
Jeff Thomas | WR | Miami
Height: 5'10" | Weight: 180 lbs
Draft Projection: Rounds 4-6
Strengths:
Excellent speed. Phenomenal quickness. Acceleration is off the charts. His hands aren't anything to look over either. Displays a great ability to make catches in traffic.
Weaknesses:
He lacks a diverse arsenal when it comes to route running. Small frame but doesn't stray from his strengths and utilizes them to his benefit.
Summary:
The Bears will likely look to move on from WR Taylor Gabriel this off-season so bringing in Thomas will help replace that speed that turbo brought.
Round 6, No. 17:
Dane Jackson | CB | Pittsburgh
Height: 6’0″ | Weight: 190
Draft Projection: Rounds 5-7
Strengths:
Jackson is a tackling machine. Brings a good combo of both length and size. Has potential to make an impact as a special teams player if given the chance.
Weaknesses:
Lack of discipline could hinder him at the next level. Tends to lose focus when the ball is in the air. Recorded 14 pass breakups but didn’t tally a single interception.
Summary:
Jackson's stock is certainly on the rise after a stellar performance at the Senior Bowl. He would be a perfect pick-up for the Bears adding both versatility and youth to the position.
Round 6, No. 21:
Reggie Floyd | S | Virginia Tech
Height: 6'0" | Weight: 222
Draft Projection: Rounds 4-6
Strengths:
Floyd possess a great mix of speed/range. He also displays impressive ball-hawk tendencies. Very versatile.
Weaknesses:
Not great in one particular area -- just very good in a lot. Tends to take too many unnecessary risks.
Summary:
With the uncertainty of Haha Clinton-Dix's status with the Bears, the team will need to make sure they have a replacement. Either way, Floyd will be a solid and safe pick considering the amount of money they rightfully gave Eddie Jackson.
Round 7, No. 12:
Cole McDonald | QB | Hawaii
Height: 6'4" | Weight: 220
Draft Projection: Rounds 6-7
Strengths:
Big frame and has a rocket of an arm. High IQ and can effectively read defense due to the run and gun offense he ran at Hawaii.
Weaknesses:
His throwing motion is a tad bit long. He will also need to work on his accuracy as there are times when his throws are just way off target.
Summary:
It never hurts to take a swing at a QB in the draft, especially if you have the history the Bears do at this crucial spot. McDonald is the perfect candidate for the Bears to take a shot with and will be even better if they can indeed snag him this late.
Round 7, No. 19:
Tae Crowder | LB | Georgia
Height: 6'3" | Weight: 235
Draft Projection: Rounds 6-7
Strengths:
Crowder is a very physical linebacker. He rarely makes mistakes and is able to process plays at a fast rate.
Weaknesses:
Lacks speed/quickness which leads to his angles not being as crisp when tracking down players. Pass coverage isn't ideal and will need a lot of touching up at the next level.
Summary:
Another area that is some-what up in the air right now is the linebacker spot. The Bears are at a crossroads with Nick Kwiatoski and Danny Trevathan. Who will they keep to pair with Roquan Smith? Or will they choose to let both walk? No one really knows at this point but I think taking a stab at a LB this late is a great move considering how well the Bears have drafted this position in the past.
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