After the blockbuster trade for the No.1 pick that brought in wide receiver DJ Moore, the Bears have been active in free agency.
Chicago has filled the roster gaps with the early signings of linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds and guard Nate Davis. In addition to the star-studded early signings, the Bears have added depth on the defensive line, running back, tight end and added a new backup quarterback.
With the draft about a month away, here’s our seven-round mock draft after the Bears’ latest signings.
Round 1, Pick 9 (from CAR): EDGE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa
Lukas Van Ness is a Chicagoland kid who can play inside and outside. He has excellent length at 6-foot-5 and is strong against the run and able to handle double teams. He’s a high-motor player with a high upside that could become a star if he develops a pass-rush skill set.
Round 2, Pick 53 (from BAL): iOL John Michael Schmitz, Minnesota
Another Chicagoland kid, John Michael Schmitz, can play guard or center and is a future starter in the NFL. He’s an intelligent player who identifies blitzes and defensive line stunts and can hold his own against athletic defensive linemen.
Round 2, Pick 61 (from CAR): DT Keeanu Benton, Wisconsin
Benton is a perfect 3-technique for the Bears’ new defense. He’s a solid defensive lineman who can split double teams and explode off the snap. He will be a great asset to stop the run and the pass.
Round 2, Pick 64: CB Julius Brents, Kansas State
The Kansas State cornerback’s skill set is perfect for a zone scheme. He’s a bigger corner at 6-foot-3 and can run, but he also can diagnose both run and pass. In addition, he’s a willing tackler and isn’t afraid to show up in run support.
Round 3, Pick 103: DT Zacch Pickens, South Carolina
At 6-foot-4 and 291 pounds, Pickens is another big-body defensive lineman with the power to disrupt the line of scrimmage in the run game. His pass rush is limited, but he stalemates blockers and will help Chicago’s run defense.
Round 5, Pick 133 (from PHI): DB Jartavius Martin, Illinois
Martin has played outside and slot corner at Illinois, giving the Bears depth at the nickel corner position. Last year for the Illini, he also played deep safety, furthering his versatility as a defensive back. Martin is a sure tackler with 4.4 speed and should develop into a starter.
Round 5, Pick 135: iOL Emil Ekiyor, Alabama
Ekiyor has the skill set to be able to play both guard positions and center. In the run game, he’s fundamentally sound and plays with excellent pad level. In pass protection, he’s athletic and has the footwork necessary to be successful.
Round 5, Pick 148 (from NE): LB Ventrell Miller, Florida
Miller adds depth to the Bears’ defense and could remind head coach Matt Eberflus of Matthew Adams. The undersized Florida linebacker has a high IQ, a high-motor player who is also strong in pass coverage.
Round 7, Pick 218: CB Anthony Johnson, Virginia
The Virginia cornerback has NFL size at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds but lacks the pro speed (4.6 40-yard dash). However, he’s shown an ability to make plays with seven career interceptions and could be a special teams contributor and provide depth at cornerback.
Round 7, Pick 258 (compensatory): OT Earl Bostick Jr., Kansas
Bostick is worth a late-round flier. He’s an athletic, intelligent, rarely penalized offensive lineman with a good frame at 6’6 and 315 pounds. As a sixth-year senior, he was incredibly experienced, with over 50 games played for the Jayhawks.
