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.
The Athletic‘s Dane Brugler shared his seven-round mock draft, where he had the Bears addressing their biggest needs, notably along the defensive and offensive lines.
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.
When all is said and done, the Bears make 10 picks in this seven-round mock draft. Here’s a look:
Round 1, Pick 9: DT Jalen Carter, Georgia
Brugler has Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter falling to the Bears at ninth overall. And, given what reports have indicated, it sounds like Chicago won’t let him get away in that spot.
Carter’s draft stock has dipped following off-field issues and his poor pro day performance, but the Bears hosted Carter on a Top 30 visit as a means to determine if they’d be willing to take a risk on him.
Ultimately, Carter is everything Matt Eberflus is looking for in a disruptive 3-technique, and he’d be a cornerstone for this defense. That is, if he gets past teams like the Seahawks and Lions.
Here’s what Brugler said about Carter in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A one-year starter at Georgia, Carter was a dominant force on the interior and played multiple alignments in co-defensive coordinator Will Muschamp’s 3-4 base scheme. The Bulldogs had three first-round picks from the defensive line in the 2022 class (Travon Walker, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt), but it was No. 88 who flashed the most disruptive ability on the 2021 tape and that continued in 2022 despite missing time because of injuries. With a playing base that is always balanced, Carter flashes the initial burst and play strength to rip, displace and disrupt the backfield rhythm. While physically impressive, he also does a skillful job rushing with eyes and trusting his instincts to feel blocking pressure. Carter needs to continue growing in several areas, but his block destruction is special because of a rare combination of body control, quickness and power. He presents a conundrum for NFL decision-makers – he is a very young player and maturation isn’t a guarantee, but he is arguably the most talented prospect in this draft class with the potential to develop into a top-five player at his position in the NFL.
Round 2, Pick 53 (from BAL): OT Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse
With the Bears going with Carter at No. 9, they missed out on the top offensive tackles in Paris Johnson Jr., Broderick Jones, Peter Skoronski and Darnell Wright. But Brugler has Chicago landing another solid option in Syracuse’s Matthew Bergeron with the 53rd overall pick.
Bergeron is everything the Bears are looking for in an offensive tackle with the size (6-foot-5, 320 pounds) and length (33 3/4-inches) to match. Bergeron is a dynamic run blocker who’s also been a model of consistency in pass protection.
Here’s what Brugler said about Bergeron in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A four-year starter at Syracuse, Bergeron was the starting left tackle in former offensive coordinator Robert Anae’s scheme. Lightly recruited out of Quebec, he learned on the fly (both the game of football and the English language) as a true freshman and developed into one of the ACC’s top tackles over his four seasons with the Orange. With his on-field demeanor and approach, Bergeron can generate movement in the run game and control pass rushers when his hands, feet and eyes stay on the same page. However, his inconsistent weight distribution leads to issues in pass pro and he doesn’t have repeatable hands, which were tough issues to mask against the better opponents on the schedule (Clemson, Notre Dame, Florida State). Overall, Bergeron is very efficient in his movements and grades well as a run blocker, but his inconsistent base and hand placement are gateway issues that disrupt his rhythm and ability to finish, especially in space. He has NFL starting talent, although his skills might be maximized inside as a zone-blocking guard.
Round 2, Pick 61 (from CAR via SF): CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
While the defensive line remains the Achilles’ heel of Chicago’s defense, cornerback is a position that also needs to be addressed in the draft. Jaylon Johnson, entering a contract year, and Kyler Gordon, last year’s top draft pick, are the only dependable pieces in place. Brugler has the Bears landing Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents with the 61st overall selection.
Brents has seen his stock rise during the pre-draft process, including a strong Senior Bowl performance. While he’s not considered a first-round prospect, he has the potential to be one of the better corners in this draft class. Brents could complement Johnson on the outside when Gordon is in the slot.
Here’s what Brugler said about Brents in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A two-year starter at Kansas State, Brents was the left cornerback in defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman’s man/zone scheme. After starting as a true freshman at Iowa (his first start came against Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson in 2018), he got lost in the mix after missing the 2019 season because of injury and transferred to Manhattan in 2021, where he led the Wildcats in passes defended and interceptions as a senior. Brents has rare length for the position and impressive short-area quickness for his body type. With his long arms, he can make wide receivers uncomfortable at the line of scrimmage and mid-route, but his length is negated downfield because of his struggles to find the football. Overall, Brents’ inconsistent balance and ball skills are legitimate concerns at the next level, but he is a long-limbed, fluid athlete with the loose movements and speed to maintain phase. He offers the man-cover skills that will help him compete for starting-level snaps early in his NFL career.
Round 3, Pick 64: EDGE Derick Hall, Auburn
The Bears continue to address needs on defense with their fourth selection, drafting Auburn edge rusher Derick Hall at the top of the third round, to help shore up the league’s worst pass rush from a season ago.
Hall has the size (6-foot-3, 254 pounds) and speed (4.55 40-time) that Eberflus is looking for in his defensive linemen. While he’s average against the run, he’s an explosive and powerful pass rusher who would be an immediate upgrade.
Here’s what Brugler said about Hall in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A three-year starter at Auburn, Hall played an edge rusher position in former defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding’s four-man front, mostly out of a two-point stance. He was the Tigers’ most productive backfield player the last few seasons, leading the team in both tackles for loss and sacks his junior and senior years. Only two pounds and nine ounces when he was born, Hall grew into a long, rocked-up defender who wears down blockers with aggressive stabs and speed-to-power moves. He can set a physical edge versus the run, but hints of stiffness leave him tardy to disengage and work off contact. Overall, Hall doesn’t have fully fleshed-out counter maneuvers, but he is an urgent, hard-charging pass rusher with linear athleticism and power in his hands. He will be attractive to multiple schemes and projects as a potential NFL starter, similar to the Denver Broncos’ Jonathan Cooper.
Round 4, Pick 103: WR Xavier Hutchinson, Iowa State
Chicago shored up their wide receiver group this offseason with the acquisition of DJ Moore in the trade of the No. 1 pick, giving Justin Fields his WR1. Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney round out an exciting receiver trio for the Bears. Still, it doesn’t mean Chicago shouldn’t draft a wideout, which is what Brugler does with the addition of Iowa State’s Xavier Hutchinson at the top of the fourth round.
Hutchinson was another Senior Bowl standout who has the potential to be one of the tops wideouts in this draft class. He’s got the size (6-foot-3) and skillset to develop into a receiving threat for Fields. Plus, he’s gone under the radar during this pre-draft process, and he could be a steal for the Bears.
Here’s what Brugler said about Hutchinson in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A three-year starter at Iowa State, Hutchinson was the X wide receiver in former offensive coordinator Tom Manning’s offense. The FBS leader in catches per game (8.9) in 2022, he set the Big 12 record for most receptions (254) by a three-year player, passing Justin Blackmon (252). The Cyclones’ leading receiver each of his three seasons in Ames, Hutchinson is a physical, quick-footed mover with NFL-worthy body control and catch instincts. Though his tape shows both toughness and urgency, he lacks separation burst in his releases and at the stem, and it will be tougher for him to shake tight man coverage in the NFL. Overall, Hutchinson is an average-twitch athlete and doesn’t have a truly distinguishing trait, but his competitive mindset and well-rounded game will be appealing to an NFL team looking for a rotational possession target. He has the potential to be an eventual No. 2 in the NFL with additional polish.
Round 4, Pick 133 (from PHI): C Luke Wypler, Ohio State
While right tackle is the one glaring hole on the offensive line right now, there are questions about the center position. Cody Whitehair, who has a $14.1 million cap hit this season, is currently slated to move from left guard to center, a position he last played in 2020. But Chicago could look to bring in a young player, like Ohio State’s Luke Wypler, to fill that hole.
Wypler could be the long-term answer at center for the Bears. He’s smart in pass protection and can help the quarterback pre-snap, and he’s solid in the run game in a zone-blocking scheme that Luke Getsy runs.
Here’s what Brugler said about Wypler in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A two-year starter at Ohio State, Wypler was entrenched at center in head coach Ryan Day’s zone/RPO-based offense. A high school offensive tackle, he made the move inside, where he was the starting center for all 25 of C.J. Stroud’s college starts. (Stroud: “Luke is probably one of the smartest people I have ever been around … the smartest O-lineman I’ve ever met in my life.”) Wypler is a quick, efficient mover with outstanding football IQ and communication skills. However, he labors to sustain if not perfectly square, especially with defenders on his edge, and can be stacked when he isn’t in position to break contact. Overall, Wypler is sawed-off and will be force-fed his vegetables as he adapts to NFL power, but his above-average athleticism and handwork help him stay in position. He is ideally suited for a zone team and projects as an NFL backup with potential to be more.
Round 5, Pick 136: RB Chase Brown, Illinois
The Bears lost David Montgomery in free agency, but they added D’Onta Foreman to join Khalil Herbert in the backfield. Still, it makes sense for Chicago to target a running back in the later rounds of the draft. Brugler has the Bears landing Illinois’ Chase Brown with their first fifth-round selection.
While Brown thrives between the tackles, he needs to prove he can succeed as an outside runner. But he does effectively catch the ball out of the backfield, which is something the Bears are missing at running back after Montgomery’s departure. Brown is a solid Day 3 option for Chicago.
Here’s what Brugler said about Brown in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A three-year starter at Illinois, Brown was the lead back in offensive coordinator Barry Lunney’s zone-based run scheme. A Canada native, he leaves Illinois as the school’s No. 2 all-time leading rusher after a standout 2022 season, finishing second in the FBS in carries (328) and third in rushing yards per game (136.9). Built low to the ground, Brown feels the flow of pursuit and cuts against it with above-average balance, pacing and toughness. He wasn’t asked to run a variety of routes, but he catches the ball cleanly away from his frame when leaked out as a receiver. Overall, Brown has mediocre run strength and must continue to prove himself as a blocker, but his ability to pair his quick-scan vision with his controlled footwork should translate well to the next level. He projects as an NFL rotational back who will be ready when/if a starting opportunity arises.
Round 5, Pick 148 (from BAL via NE): DT Kobie Turner, Wake Forest
The Bears have concerns along the defensive line both in terms of starters and depth, which is why Brugler has Chicago adding a second defensive tackle in Wake Forest’s Kobie Turner in this draft.
Turner is explosive but undersized, and he projects as a 3-technique at the NFL level. He’d be a solid addition as a rotational piece on a defensive interior that includes (in this mock) Jalen Carter, Justin Jones and Andrew Billings.
Here’s what Brugler said about Turner in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A reserve in his one season at Wake Forest, Turner lined up primarily over the B-gap in defensive coordinator Brad Lambert’s scheme. A former walk-on at Richmond, he was an FCS All-American before transferring to Wake Forest for his final season where he was part of the defensive line rotation (averaged 40.2 defensive snaps per game in 2022). Nicknamed “The Conductor” for his disruptive skills and burgeoning music career, Turner stays balanced through congestion and his gas tank is never on “E” (accounted for 41 tackles for loss over 40 games played the last four seasons). He plays much stronger than his listed weight, but might struggle against NFL length and power. Turner is a tad undersized and is guilty of freelancing out of his run fits, but he plays with bouncy feet, forceful hands and affects the game with his relentless effort. He projects as a rotational 3-technique in the NFL with potential to be more.
Round 7, Pick 218: S Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State
The Bears don’t have a pressing need at safety, with Eddie Jackson and Chicago’s Rookie of the Year Jaquan Brisker manning the defensive backfield. But you can’t too many defensive backs, which is why Brugler has the Bears selecting Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman at the top of the seventh round.
Hickman would be solid depth and special teams contributor, which the team needs to replace as DeAndre Houston-Carson remains a free agency. Hickman would be a key reserve box safety behind Brisker, and he’s a smart player that thrived in coverage with the Buckeyes, although he struggles as a tackler in space.
Here’s what Brugler said about Hickman in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A two-year starter at Ohio State, Hickman played the “adjuster” safety position in defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ 4-2-5 base scheme. After playing the hybrid “bullet” role as a linebacker/safety in 2021, he transitioned to more of a free safety as a junior, which cut his tackles in half from the previous year, but he led the Buckeyes in passes defended in 2022. Hickman takes sound angles to the ball when his eyes are in position, and his keys help him anticipate the play design. However, his tape does not show a quick-reaction player from depth, and his conservative nature led to ball production left on the field. Overall, Hickman is a long, linear athlete with baseline physical traits, but you wish he saw things a half second sooner and was more aggressive making plays on the ball. He projects as a special-teamer and rotational NFL “robber” safety.
Round 7, Pick 258 (compensatory): EDGE Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan
Speaking of depth, the Bears use their final pick — a compensatory selection — to address the defensive line with Eastern Michigan edge rusher Jose Ramirez at No. 258.
Ramirez is a below-average run defender, but he makes things difficult on opposing quarterbacks. He recorded 31.5 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks in the last two seasons. Ramirez would be a solid rotational piece in Eberflus’ defense.
Here’s what Brugler said about Ramirez in his draft guide, “The Beast”:
A two-year starter at Eastern Michigan, Ramirez played an edge-rushing role in former defensive coordinator Neal Neathery’s four-man front. After not putting his hand in the ground until juco, he was consistently productive in Ypsilanti with 31.5 tackles for loss in 25 games the last two seasons, leading the FBS in sacks per game (1.0) in 2022. With his arc athleticism and active hands to adjust mid-play, Ramirez rushes like a mad man, and it’s a matter of when, not if, he finds his way to the pocket. He can be engulfed and lose contain as an edge setter, but his natural instincts usually lead him to the football in pursuit. Overall, offenses will find success running to his side of the field, but Ramirez gets the quarterback off schedule with his relentless pass-rush sequence. He projects best standing up as a rotational edge rusher.
