The Bears have plenty of needs to address this offseason, and they could certainly find some answers in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Matt Miller released his first seven-round mock draft, which featured some intriguing prospects for the Bears’ 2020 draft class.
Everything from quarterback to tight end to defensive back to offensive line was addressed, as the Bears need some fixes if they’re to have any hope at playoff contention in 2020.
Let’s break down Miller’s first seven-round mock draft featuring eight Bears selections:
2nd Round, No. 43: TE Brycen Hopkins, Purdue
The Bears are certainly in need of a tight end that can bring production to the passing game. There are no shortage of tight end prospects that have been linked to the Bears, including Vandy’s Jared Pinkney and Dayton’s Adam Trautman. But another top tight end prospect that the Bears have already met with is Purdue’s Brycen Hopkins, who some argue is the best tight end in the NFL Draft.
Hopkins had 830 yards and six touchdowns with Purdue this season, which is the kind of production the Bears are seeking from the position. He would be the perfect fit for Matt Nagy’s “U” tight end. He’s a strong route runner and also brings explosiveness to the position.
2nd Round, No. 50: OT Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
Fixing the offensive line is one of the most important needs this offseason. But unfortunately for the Bears, they’re stuck with what they’ve got on the line — at least through 2020.
Right tackle Bobby Massie’s cap hit in 2020 is $8.3 million, but the Bears can’t afford to cut him and take the $10.8 million in dead money. However, things change in 2021, when Massie’s $9.3 million cap hit equates to just $2.6 million in dead money.
Simiilar thing with left tackle Charles Leno, whose cap hit increased from $3.3 million in 2019 to $10.2 million in 2020. If the Bears were to cut him, it’d be a dead money hit of $7.3 million. His salary increases to $11.2 million in 2021, although his dead money hit decreases to $5 million.
So the Bears will certainly be looking to the NFL Draft for developmental prospects at the tackle position, and one of them could be Georgia’s Isaiah Wilson. He brings power to the run game an intensity to his game.
4th Round, No. 144: WR Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
On a list of offensive needs for the Bears this offseason, wide receiver is near the bottom of the list. Chicago has some young talent at the position, including Allen Robinson, Anthony Miller, Javon Wims and Riley Ridley.
But you can never have enough weapons at the receiver position, especially considering veteran Taylor Gabriel projects to be a potential cap-casualty with a potential $14 million savings over the next two years and just $3 million dead money.
While Tennessee’s Jauan Jennings isn’t the speedster that the Bears could use opposite Robinson, he comes up big when the ball is in his hands. He had 59 receptions for 969 yards and eight touchdowns for the Volunteers in 2019. Jennings has been a bright spot in Tennessee’s sputtering offense, which would make him a great fit with the Bears.
5th Round, No. 160: QB Steven Montez, Colorado
Mitchell Trubisky might be the Bears’ starting quarterback heading into 2020, but his future is far but guaranteed. While the Bears will likely give Trubisky another chance this season to prove himself, they’re sure to have some insurance waiting in the wings in a veteran quarterback and possibly a developmental quarterback.
Perhaps that young quarterback is Colorado’s Steven Montez, whose dual-threat ability makes him an enticing prospect, as does his cannon of an arm. But he lacks consistent pocket presence and struggles with accuracy, which are both traits of current QB project Mitchell Trubisky.
5th Round, No. 164: CB Michael Ojemudia, Iowa
The Bears need to shore up their secondary, particularly at cornerback opposite Kyle Fuller. They’re expected to move on from veteran Prince Amukamara, which can free up $9 million in salary cap space. While there are no shortage of options in-house for Amukamara’s replacement, including Kevin Toliver and newly-acquired CFL corner Tre Roberson, the Bears are also expected to turn to the NFL Draft for a young player.
Perhaps that player is Iowa cornerback Michael Ojemudia, who is a big corner that can get physical with receivers at the line of scrimmage. In 2019, Ojemudia had 41 tackles, three interceptions and nine pass breakups. During his final two seasons at Iowa, Ojemudia totaled six interceptions.
6th Round, No. 197: S Shyheim Carter, Alabama
The Bears would serve well to add depth to their secondary, both at cornerback and safety. With Prince Amukamara likely to be a cap-casualty and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix likely lost to free agency, the Bears should have a couple of starting spots to fill in the defensive backfield.
Versatile defensive back Shyheim Carter could be an intriguing prospect for the Bears. Carter, who played both as a nickel corner and safety at Alabama, has great instincts and has the ability to force turnovers. Over the last two years, Carter averaged 43.5 tackles, one forced fumble and 1.5 interceptions. The Bears need to address safety opposite newly-extended Eddie Jackson. Although Carter projects to be more nickel corner than safety at the pro level.
6th Round, No. 201: EDGE Trevis Gipson, Tulsa
The Bears need help at two of the most important positions this offseason: Quarterback and pass rusher, and both are likely to be addressed. While there aren’t any questions surrounding superstar edge rusher Khalil Mack, it’s the guy lining opposite him that’s of concern. Leonard Floyd hasn’t lived up to expectations — especially when it comes to producing sacks — and it wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if Chicago decides to pull Floyd’s fifth-year option. Although, they still seem to be pretty high on Floyd.
The Bears could turn to the NFL Draft for some help opposite Mack, and they could find it in Tulsa edge rusher Trevis Gipson. Gipson certainly helped his draft stock at the Senior Bowl, where he flashed his ability to get after the quarterback. Over the last two seasons, Gipson has 12 sacks and seven forced fumbles, and perhaps he can get production opposite Mack that Floyd can’t seem to get.
7th Round, No. 234: IOL Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
Chicago is looking to upgrade its offensive line following a poor performance in 2019. While they’re pretty much stuck with what they’ve got — aside from right guard — in 2020, they would do well to turn to free agency and the NFL Draft for depth at the position. Especially considering they can get out of a couple of deals following 2020 at the tackle positions.
The Bears need help wherever they can get it on the offensive line, and Oregon offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton might be the versatile answer. Throckmorton played primarily at right tackle for the Ducks, but he can play all five positions on the offensive line.
