Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Fresh 7 Round Predictions Post Week 1 of Free Agency
Published by Andrew Dannehy on March 17, 2014
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears had yet another busy free-agent period, which certainly changed their draft plans but not as much as one may think.
While the Bears added two starting defensive ends and two safeties to compete for starting jobs and brought back starting cornerback Charles Tillman, they still have a lot of work to do on the defensive side of the ball.
In some spots, depth is the primary issue, but they’re still probably going to need at least one starter from this draft.
The only position I took off the board for the Bears’ first pick following the free-agent period is defensive end. In Lamarr Houston and Willie Young, the Bears have two solid starters. Shea McClellin will still likely rush the passer in obvious passing downs, and they have a pair of young players worth trying to develop in David Bass and Cornelius Washington.
That said, if someone they feel is going to be a future star were to drop, they likely wouldn’t hesitate.
Other than that, the Bears still have major needs at defensive tackle, safety and cornerback. Those are the positions I expect them to look at early in the draft.
It isn’t all about defense. The Bears are currently stuck with very little depth at running back, tight end and along the offensive line. While those may not necessarily be the top priority, if the Bears can get a player they feel good about early, they may have to pull the trigger.
One thing to keep in mind is Bears general manager Phil Emery wants high-level athletes. Over the last two years, six of the eight draft picks who have worked out at the NFL combine have been rated as “above average” by Ourlads‘ NFL Scouting Services.
This mock draft begins at their most crucial needs as the Bears will hope to fill holes with great athletes as they go.
All combine information courtesy of NFL.com’s Results Tracker
