It would at least appear that the primary moves of free agency are in the rearview mirror. Focus for GM Ryan Pace at this point is finding cheap depth for the roster as he looks towards next month. So how has this shifted the latest Chicago Bears 2020 mock draft? Well, it certainly brought everything into focus. Namely regarding where they should be expected to attack.
Pace is always unpredictable. He talks about Best Player Available whenever he enters a draft but his track record says others. He almost always focuses on a key area of need with his earlier picks. It was true of Kevin White, it was true of Leonard Floyd, it was true of Mitch Trubisky, and it was true of David Montgomery.
Don’t expect that change. So where could he look to when the Bears finally go on the clock April 24th? Let’s find out.
Chicago Bears 2020 mock draft is about value
2nd Round (Pick #43): Lucas Niang, OT, TCU
Changes are coming to the Bears offensive line. That much is clear. It just won’t happen in 2020. Contracts make this far too difficult. Both Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie are protected by their deals. That will change though in 2021. The Bears must be smart about taking advantage of what is a loaded tackle class. Lucas Niang is one of those flying under the radar.
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If not for an untimely injury, the TCU tackle would be a 1st round pick. His mixture of power and nimble feet often earn him comparisons to a dancing bear. Somebody who can overwhelm smaller defenders with his size but still handle speedy edge rushers. If the Bears want they can move to plug him at right guard to get him some experience or just wait until next year when he’ll be ready to man an edge.
- Trade: #50 pick to Seahawks for picks #59 and #101
- Trade: #59 pick to Chiefs for picks #63 and #138
2nd Round (Pick #63 via KC): Chase Claypool, WR, Notre Dame
The Bears need more playmakers. That much is obvious. Outside of Allen Robinson, they didn’t really have anybody break out in 2019. With loads of uncertainty behind him, they would be wise to grab more help at wide receiver. Chase Claypool checks a couple of boxes for them. He provides more size which is never a bad thing but he also showed at the scouting combine that he’s pretty fast as well.
He proved last season for Notre Dame that he was a go-to target with over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. His ability to run routes is also understated. To top everything, he embraces his responsibilities as a blocker in the running game. All things the Bears can make great use of.
3rd Round (Pick #101 via SEA): Jeremy Chinn, S, Southern Illinois
While the offense is the more pressing need for the Bears, they can’t afford to pass on defensive standouts even if their defense is great. Strong safety remains a position in flux. As of now, the team is looking at Deon Bush as the likely starter unless they make a move to give him some competition. Jeremy Chinn is a name who has steadily risen to prominence in their own backyard.
He has everything a team could ask for. He’s big for a safety at 6’2, is athletic, shows excellent instincts against the run and showcased ball skills with at least three interceptions each of his college seasons at SIU. Chuck Pagano will love utilizing him in a variety of ways.
4th Round (Pick #138 via KC): Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
Uncertainty prevails at tight end for the Bears. Adding Jimmy Graham to the mix did help somewhat but with his 34th birthday looming, it’s hard to know how much better he makes the position. Combine that with the health concerns of Trey Burton and nobody should feel secure with that lineup. This is why the addition of Hopkins is such an unexpected boost.
A couple of months ago the Purdue tight end was viewed as one of the best in the 2020 class. However, a rather bland performance at the scouting combine seemed to cool down. His lack of imposing size could see him fall, but make no mistake this guy has pass catching prowess that can’t be ignored. A true weapon who can threaten defenses up the seam.
5th Round (Pick #164): Anthony Gordon, QB, Washington State
The future of Mitch Trubisky is all in shadows now. He might still have a chance to keep his starting job but almost everybody thinks Nick Foles is the man now. That means Trubisky is the backup-in-waiting and on the last year of his deal too. The Bears have to think about finding more depth at the position. Somebody they can develop for when he’s gone, be it sooner or later.
Anthony Gordon faced an unenviable task when he took over for Gardner Minshew at Washington State. He responded by throwing for over 5,500 yards with 48 touchdowns. His quick release, accuracy, and ability to deliver throws under pressure make him an intriguing prospect provided a team is willing to give him time.
6th Round (Pick #197): Davion Taylor, LB, Colorado
The losses of Nick Kwiatkoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis were tough for the Bears to swallow, even if they weren’t surprising. It eats considerably into their depth at inside linebacker. Not ideal given the uneven health histories of both Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith. So they need to think about adding somebody to the pipeline.
Davion Taylor is the perfect late-round flier. He’s 6’2, 225 lbs and can run a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash. The kid is in an athlete who can hang with tight ends in coverage and doesn’t fear contact around the line of scrimmage. His biggest issue is experience. He hasn’t played football for very long and requires more time to hone his craft.
6th Round (Pick #201 via PHI): Lavert Hill, CB, Michigan
In terms of depth, the Bears seem to have at least stabilized their situation. Tre Roberson and Artie Burns both arrived from the CFL and Pittsburgh respectively to provide some help. That said there are still question marks. Nobody would criticize Pace if he added a little more. Perhaps somebody who can provide help in the slot behind Buster Skrine.
If Lavert Hill were two inches taller and slightly faster, he’d probably be a top 50 draft pick. His ability to mirror receivers in press coverage and play physical can’t be ignored. The guy is a pest, and that’s the best thing one can say about a corner. He’s not perfect but enough is there for him to be a quality contributor on a defense.
7th Round (Pick #227 via LAV): Derrick Tuszka, EDGE, NDSU
Adding Robert Quinn was a boon for the Bears pass rush. He and Khalil Mack have a chance to terrorize quarterbacks for the next several years. That said, the depth behind them is another matter. Right now it’s a battle between Isaiah Irving and Barkevious Mingo. Two guys who have yet to prove they can get regular pressure on the quarterback.
So they decide to get a bit of insurance. Tuszka was a hunter at North Dakota State, racking up 29.5 sacks in three seasons. He’s got size, a high motor and showcases strong technique and quickness. There are concerns about his length though and whether he can play with enough bend. It is a worthwhile addition to the mix regardless.
7th Round (Pick #234): Isaiah Coulter, WR, Rhode Island
There’s no shame in doing everything possible to surround the quarterback with dynamic weapons. Claypool was a good start earlier in the draft, but they can still use more speed if possible. Somebody who can stress defenses down the field. Isaiah Coulter proved he could do a lot of that. Yes, it was against lower competition but his workouts since then have shown the potential is there.
Coulter is a classic project. Somebody who dominated his level on pure athletic talent. When it comes to route running and the subtle nuances of the position, he needs work. However, being able to run deep to catch a ball isn’t that complicated. He can be used in that manner at least.
