The Chicago Bears are back at it this week following a much-needed bye, hopefully allowing the players to rest up and heal from injuries. We'll preview their looming rematch with the Detroit Lions in the coming days, but how about another mock draft for now?
Yes, it is sadly tradition at this point for Bears fans to be looking ahead to the NFL Draft by December. But it's a bit spicier this year. Thanks to the Carolina Panthers' ongoing ineptitude, Chicago once again holds the first overall pick; their own pick is currently sitting at fifth overall.
A franchise can kick its rebuild into overdrive by making two selections in the top five of a loaded draft class. And if you can trade one of those picks? Even better.
I broke my usual rule of not trading in mock drafts this early because the situation is too perfect. With New England currently sitting at second overall and in dire need of a quarterback, it would make sense for them to move up one spot and get that top selection, but it won't come cheap.
In this trade scenario, New England swaps first-round picks with Chicago, adds their second and third-round picks and throws in a second-round selection in 2025.
I liken the Patriots to the Bears, where I think they're a coach and quarterback away from being much better than they currently look. Bring in an offensive-minded head coach and a thrilling dual-threat quarterback like Caleb Williams, and New England would be back in playoff contention in no time. That's why they make the big move up in this mock draft.
Now, what do the Bears do with the extra picks? Let's find out.
Note: This mock also assumes that Matt Eberflus has been fired.
1.02 (via NE) Drake Maye - Quarterback, UNC
If the Bears hire a new head coach and he wants to keep Justin Fields and build around him, then that's what the Bears should do. Unfortunately, I don't find that realistic given the circumstances. So, for this mock, the Bears select a new quarterback. The Patriots moved up to first overall to select Caleb Williams, leaving the Bears with Drake Maye, who isn't just a consolation prize.
Picking a UNC quarterback who wears #10 at second overall will send Bears fans into a tailspin on social media, but it's critical to understand that Maye is not Mitch Trubisky. He is a much better prospect than Mitch ever was. He can make any throw at every level of the field, and he's athletic enough to escape pressure, even if he can't break records like Fields.
I prefer Caleb Williams, but the race between these two quarterbacks has quickly become a 1a/1b situation, and given the haul the Bears could get even from moving back one spot, I'd be happy with my second-choice quarterback.
1.05 Laiatu Latu - EDGE, UCLA
While I'm breaking the rules for mock drafting, let's break another one and go with a pass rusher at fifth overall. I've said multiple times in the previous months that there's not one defensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft I would take with a Top 10 pick, but Latu has slowly changed my mind. He racked up 13 sacks in what's been a consistently productive season.
He's added two forced fumbles and two interceptions, too.
Latu has a scary injury history, having suffered a neck injury at Washington, which kept him out of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. At one point, it was reported he'd be forced into medical retirement. But after transferring to UCLA, playing two full seasons, and quite frankly dominating, I would feel comfortable selecting him this high.
Imagine a pass-rush duo of Montez Sweat and Laiatu Latu. That's how you restore the old-school Monsters of the Midway.
2.34 (via NE) Troy Franklin - Receiver, Oregon
Yes, I had the Bears pass on the top wide receiver prospects in this mock draft, but it's an insanely deep class for receivers, and grabbing Troy Franklin early in the second round could be a steal.
Tall and lanky with blistering speed, Franklin has proven adept at creating separation and picking up some impressive yards after the catch.
He can play in the slot or on the perimeter and is a threat to take the top off a defense on any snap. Forcing defenses to account for DJ Moore and Troy Franklin could give Chicago's new coaching staff and quarterback ample opportunity to create an explosive, modern NFL offense.
And the cherry on top? He won't even turn 21 until February.
3.66 (via NE) Zach Frazier - Center, West Virginia
It feels odd to say this, but after years of offensive line play that hovered between mediocre and XFL-level, the Chicago Bears seem to be one piece away from having one of the league's better units.
That one weak link remaining is at center, and here, the Bears fill that hole with one of the best Center prospects in this draft.
At 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, Frazier has a prototypical build for a center and boasts impressive raw strength. Watch his tape; he treats defensive tackles like ragdolls.
He's also great at the cerebral portion of the game. The best centers in the NFL are called the 'quarterbacks of the offensive line,' and that's precisely what Frazier is. He can diagnose defenses pre- and post-snap and would be a rookie quarterback's best friend. And putting him next to a stud like Teven Jenkins would make his job even easier.
3.71 Cole Bishop - Safety, Utah
It's sad, but Eddie Jackson's time in Chicago appears to be winding down. His career started off with so much promise after that 2018 season, only to see his talents wasted in bad defensive schemes for three years. In 2022, we saw a resurgence from him, and he was well on his way to an All-Pro nod before a season-ending injury in Week 12. Injuries have again plagued him this year, and his performance has suffered.
The Bears will likely replace him this offseason, and Bishop would be an excellent candidate. Standing an impressive six-foot-two and 207 pounds, Bishop is an imposing figure in Utah's secondary and has improved every year. He's reliable in coverage and is more than a willing defender in run support. He offers upside as a blitzer, too.
The only weakness of Bishop's game is tackling, as he generally fails to wrap up and finish. He also may need to add a few pounds to his long frame. Thankfully, tackling can be taught, and spending time in an NFL workout program should do wonders for him.
What do you think of this mock draft, Bears fans? Sign up to Bears Talk and leave your grade in the comments below (or, better yet, post your own mock draft). Bear Down!