First mock of the year

[jason]

Are we already in mock draft territory? I think we are. Here's my first fanspeak mock.

 

10: R1P10 EDGE ARDEN KEY LSU

42: R2P10 WR CALVIN RIDLEY ALABAMA

112: R4P10 OT JAMARCO JONES OHIO STATE

114: R4P12 CB ADONIS ALEXANDER VIRGINIA TECH

148: R5P10 CB JAMAL PETERS MISSISSIPPI STATE

189: R6P10 G BRADEN SMITH AUBURN

 

I think we'll draft higher than 10, but it's a good place to start. And if it happens like this, I'll be floored.

 

Arden Key is probably the best possible 3-4 OLB available, and I think Ridley is the best WR in the nation. That would be incredible.

Following that up with a solid OT is great.

Adonis Alexander could easily play safety since that's where he started, so it lists him opposite of where he'd play.

 

The other two are high upside guys. Peters is a big CB, and Smith should not be available that late.

 

BTW - I'm in the trade down camp again. The Bears should be able to move back several positions with all the QB frenzy to be expected.

[AZ54]

Yes trade down is the ideal. I don't like Arden Key at #10. Maybe in the late 1st early 2nd Rd I'd take him if he performs well at the combine. Every time I watch him play he does nothing exceptional. Physically he looks the part. I don't see anyway Ridley last into the 2nd Rd given how poor the WR draft is this year.

 

At #10 I'd take first choice: Bradley Chubb DE/OLB. He fits the McPhee role but is more athletic, enough to drop into zone coverage at times. If he's gone I'd love to get Connor Williams OT. In fact Williams looks more like a future lock down LT than Chubb does as a DE so maybe that's the way to go should both be there.

 

If we trade back, depending how far, then we put Ridley in the discussion but beyond him I really don't like the first round WRs this year. If not Ridley I'd wait until the 3rd Rd to draft one.

 

 

 

 

[AZ54]

By the way... Arden Key is sliding down some boards:

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2744978...latest-rankings

[bowlingtwig]

I've seen many who say Ridley goes mid 1st. I've heard alot about key but haven't seen him play

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Are we already in mock draft territory? I think we are. Here's my first fanspeak mock.

 

10: R1P10 EDGE ARDEN KEY LSU

42: R2P10 WR CALVIN RIDLEY ALABAMA

112: R4P10 OT JAMARCO JONES OHIO STATE

114: R4P12 CB ADONIS ALEXANDER VIRGINIA TECH

148: R5P10 CB JAMAL PETERS MISSISSIPPI STATE

189: R6P10 G BRADEN SMITH AUBURN

 

I think we'll draft higher than 10, but it's a good place to start. And if it happens like this, I'll be floored.

 

Arden Key is probably the best possible 3-4 OLB available, and I think Ridley is the best WR in the nation. That would be incredible.

Following that up with a solid OT is great.

Adonis Alexander could easily play safety since that's where he started, so it lists him opposite of where he'd play.

 

The other two are high upside guys. Peters is a big CB, and Smith should not be available that late.

 

BTW - I'm in the trade down camp again. The Bears should be able to move back several positions with all the QB frenzy to be expected.

You have positions right, not sure on the players or if the order will be correct. OLB, WR, OT, and CB will get attention. If the Bears land at 6, where they are today, I think they take either OLB, OT or trade down. OLB will be a position of need and pass rush is worth the 6th. OT may not be a dire need, but is a hard position to fill. Taking a blue chip prospect is nearly as important and hard to land as a QB. WR is probably the biggest need, but one that should be filled by FA and not a 1st unless they trade down and accumulate multiple picks in return.

 

Using first-pick.com

1-trade down with ARZ from 6 to 10, a 2nd and a 3rd.

Your Picks:

Round 1 Pick 10 (ARI): Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame (B-)

Round 2 Pick 6: Dorance Armstrong Jr., DE/OLB, Kansas (

Round 2 Pick 10 (ARI): Courtland Sutton, WR, Southern Methodist (A)

Round 3 Pick 10 (ARI): Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford (A-)

Round 4 Pick 6: Cameron Smith, ILB, Southern California (A-)

Round 4 Pick 10: Jordan Thomas, CB, Oklahoma (

Round 5 Pick 6: Jake Wieneke, WR, South Dakota State (A+)

Round 6 Pick 6: Porter Gustin, OLB, Southern California (A-)

Round 7 Pick 6: Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn (A+)

 

[adam]

Are we already in mock draft territory? I think we are. Here's my first fanspeak mock.

 

10: R1P10 EDGE ARDEN KEY LSU

42: R2P10 WR CALVIN RIDLEY ALABAMA

112: R4P10 OT JAMARCO JONES OHIO STATE

114: R4P12 CB ADONIS ALEXANDER VIRGINIA TECH

148: R5P10 CB JAMAL PETERS MISSISSIPPI STATE

189: R6P10 G BRADEN SMITH AUBURN

 

I think we'll draft higher than 10, but it's a good place to start. And if it happens like this, I'll be floored.

 

Arden Key is probably the best possible 3-4 OLB available, and I think Ridley is the best WR in the nation. That would be incredible.

Following that up with a solid OT is great.

Adonis Alexander could easily play safety since that's where he started, so it lists him opposite of where he'd play.

 

The other two are high upside guys. Peters is a big CB, and Smith should not be available that late.

 

BTW - I'm in the trade down camp again. The Bears should be able to move back several positions with all the QB frenzy to be expected.

With so many need areas, I don't know if we can double dip at corner. I like the idea of OLB and WR in the top two, but if there is a stud OT, I think that would take precedence over those two positions. We really need to anchor the line.

 

My priorities would be:

 

1. OT (Massie has to be the worst positional starter on the team)

2. OLB (Need that bookend pressure opposite Floyd)

3. WR (Would hopefully compliment a WR corps of Meredith, White, Inman, Wright)

4. CB (Competes with Prince, Fuller, Callahan, and LeBlanc)

5. ILB/DL (Can never have enough of these guys)

6. OL/K (Take a shot at another interior lineman or go Kicker if Santos doesn't work out)

 

We are currently 6th, and I don't think we finish better than the Broncos, so 5th seems realistic, especially with Philly looming. We should be 3-8 after this weekend. A move from 5th to 12th nets you a 2nd rounder (#44).

 

1. Browns 0-10

2. 49ers 1-9

3. Giants 2-8

4. Broncos 3-7

5. Colts 3-7

6. Bears 3-7

7. Chargers 4-6

8. Bengals 4-6

9. Raiders 4-6

10. Cardinals 4-6

 

So after 2 trades we get:

12th (move from 5th, get pick #44)

37th

52nd (move from 44th, get pick #84)

84th

112th

116th

149th

189th

[jason]

With so many need areas, I don't know if we can double dip at corner. I like the idea of OLB and WR in the top two, but if there is a stud OT, I think that would take precedence over those two positions. We really need to anchor the line.

 

My priorities would be:

 

1. OT (Massie has to be the worst positional starter on the team)

2. OLB (Need that bookend pressure opposite Floyd)

3. WR (Would hopefully compliment a WR corps of Meredith, White, Inman, Wright)

4. CB (Competes with Prince, Fuller, Callahan, and LeBlanc)

5. ILB/DL (Can never have enough of these guys)

6. OL/K (Take a shot at another interior lineman or go Kicker if Santos doesn't work out)

 

We are currently 6th, and I don't think we finish better than the Broncos, so 5th seems realistic, especially with Philly looming. We should be 3-8 after this weekend. A move from 5th to 12th nets you a 2nd rounder (#44).

 

1. Browns 0-10

2. 49ers 1-9

3. Giants 2-8

4. Broncos 3-7

5. Colts 3-7

6. Bears 3-7

7. Chargers 4-6

8. Bengals 4-6

9. Raiders 4-6

10. Cardinals 4-6

 

So after 2 trades we get:

12th (move from 5th, get pick #44)

37th

52nd (move from 44th, get pick #84)

84th

112th

116th

149th

189th

 

Only one of those guys would play corner.

[adam]

Only one of those guys would play corner.

What would the other one play? We seem set at Safety with Amos and Jackson.

[jason]

What would the other one play? We seem set at Safety with Amos and Jackson.

 

 

I'm not as sold on Amos.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

The focus should be Trubisky and making sure he has everything needed to elevate the Bears into contenders. Giving him a WR to develop long term chemistry with would make sense, even though Kevin White has scared me off from going WR again. Ridley would be perfect, I think he will be a big time playmaker once he plays with a NFL caliber QB. I always want the Bears to find a pro bowl LT too, but Leno Jr just signed, so maybe a 2nd RD RT with potential to develop into that type of LT would work. On defense, we need another OLB and Chubb, Key, or Landry would be nice but negates the Trubisky thought. Can Fangio find a mid round gem if we invest in offense early?

[jason]

The focus should be Trubisky and making sure he has everything needed to elevate the Bears into contenders. Giving him a WR to develop long term chemistry with would make sense, even though Kevin White has scared me off from going WR again. Ridley would be perfect, I think he will be a big time playmaker once he plays with a NFL caliber QB. I always want the Bears to find a pro bowl LT too, but Leno Jr just signed, so maybe a 2nd RD RT with potential to develop into that type of LT would work. On defense, we need another OLB and Chubb, Key, or Landry would be nice but negates the Trubisky thought. Can Fangio find a mid round gem if we invest in offense early?

 

I agree in general.

 

OT, WR, OT, WR, Edge, CB. The simple fact is, the Bears are still several pieces away. Given that Pace has staked his job on Trubisky, I know what I would do if I were him. I'd virtually ignore defense and tell Fox and Fangio to coach'em up.

 

One note: A first round OT could work, regardless of Leno. Leno can sit the bench for all I care.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

I agree in general.

 

OT, WR, OT, WR, Edge, CB. The simple fact is, the Bears are still several pieces away. Given that Pace has staked his job on Trubisky, I know what I would do if I were him. I'd virtually ignore defense and tell Fox and Fangio to coach'em up.

 

One note: A first round OT could work, regardless of Leno. Leno can sit the bench for all I care.

I would have no problem with drafting OT round 1 either. This draft looks deep at positions of need and a trade down to would be great to get As many of them needs filled.

[lemonej]

With depth at ILB depleted with Freeman probably gone and Trevathan oft-injured, I believe this position should be addressed also.

[AZ54]

It's worth noting that Lamar Jackson is rising into the top tier of QBs for the draft. Darnold is still a question mark to enter the draft but if he does we'll see 4 QBs with early to middle 1st Rd talent. Teams will keep in mind that the 2017 crop of "bad" 1st Rd QBs has done well so far. The Browns look really stupid for passing on QBs early in Rd 1 three times in two drafts. They had #1 and #12 in 2017 and didn't take a QB with either. At least that's true for Watson and more and more Trubisky looks like the real deal. Mahomes hasn't had a shot yet but his lack of action won't alter the discussion either way.

 

Then there are the struggles of Kizer and any QB taken after the 1st Rd. No Dak Prescott showed up in 2017, but finding a good QB on day 3 only happens once every 3-5 years. Besides, Prescott has looked less and less like an elite QB as this season wears on, especially minus Elliot. Once again, it all adds up for GMs and owners: If you want a franchise QB your best bet is to go all-in early in Rd 1 on the best prospects.

 

To mix it up further, there will be two decent veteran QBs potentially available in Alex Smith and Eli Manning.

 

With all this you can feel the QB-needy sharks starting to circle the prey.

[Mongo3451]

What are we closer to having an identity with is my question? It's defense. What do we need on defense? Pass rush! That is the number one priority. A dominant defense makes Trubisky's job so much easier, as it affords him and the OC the opportunity to open it up a little.

 

I disagree with any notion that says draft all offense. IMO, we need one tackle and one receiver. Good guards are a dime a dozen in FA. Stoke the defense and get it there next year. Definitely will rely on a ball control offense and develop into what we need.

[lemonej]

It's worth noting that Lamar Jackson is rising into the top tier of QBs for the draft. Darnold is still a question mark to enter the draft but if he does we'll see 4 QBs with early to middle 1st Rd talent. Teams will keep in mind that the 2017 crop of "bad" 1st Rd QBs has done well so far. The Browns look really stupid for passing on QBs early in Rd 1 three times in two drafts. They had #1 and #12 in 2017 and didn't take a QB with either. At least that's true for Watson and more and more Trubisky looks like the real deal. Mahomes hasn't had a shot yet but his lack of action won't alter the discussion either way.

 

Then there are the struggles of Kizer and any QB taken after the 1st Rd. No Dak Prescott showed up in 2017, but finding a good QB on day 3 only happens once every 3-5 years. Besides, Prescott has looked less and less like an elite QB as this season wears on, especially minus Elliot. Once again, it all adds up for GMs and owners: If you want a franchise QB your best bet is to go all-in early in Rd 1 on the best prospects.

 

To mix it up further, there will be two decent veteran QBs potentially available in Alex Smith and Eli Manning.

 

With all this you can feel the QB-needy sharks starting to circle the prey.

 

I think you can add Tyrod Tyler and Kurt Cousins to the mix also and who is the odd man out in Minn.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

What are we closer to having an identity with is my question? It's defense. What do we need on defense? Pass rush! That is the number one priority. A dominant defense makes Trubisky's job so much easier, as it affords him and the OC the opportunity to open it up a little.

 

I disagree with any notion that says draft all offense. IMO, we need one tackle and one receiver. Good guards are a dime a dozen in FA. Stoke the defense and get it there next year. Definitely will rely on a ball control offense and develop into what we need.

I agree they need a pass rusher to pair with Floyd and I have that as a top need. They don't need to draft all offense, but as you said a WR and OT is a must. The D should stay intact if they can re-sign Prince and Fuller, I expect one to stay, so add CB to the list. On offense Massie and Sutton will be on final years in 2018 and the WR corp depleted. If we can draft OLB Chubb I would take him, but if he is gone, then trading down would be best. We should be able to gain a 2nd RD pick by moving down and be able to address the big needs and still have great cap space to dip into FA with also.

 

[AZ54]

I agree they need a pass rusher to pair with Floyd and I have that as a top need. They don't need to draft all offense, but as you said a WR and OT is a must. The D should stay intact if they can re-sign Prince and Fuller, I expect one to stay, so add CB to the list. On offense Massie and Sutton will be on final years in 2018 and the WR corp depleted. If we can draft OLB Chubb I would take him, but if he is gone, then trading down would be best. We should be able to gain a 2nd RD pick by moving down and be able to address the big needs and still have great cap space to dip into FA with also.

 

 

 

 

I see two players we should target, both at one of the 3 key positions, with our first pick: Chubb or Connor Williams. If both are gone before we pick then we should trade down. Williams would step in right away at RT, maybe stay there for a few years until Leno's deal is done. I don't think having Williams at RT (instead of LT) is as big of a deal as it used to be since so many elite pass rushers line up at LDE now. Eventually he'll be the LT of the future. For now, give Trubisky one side he doesn't have to worry about the pass rush and he'll take care of the rest. If we find someone else to handle RT and move Williams to LT we can trade Leno after a year or two.

 

Unless someone gives us an offer that's too good to refuse. That could happen as we'll be sitting right around the spot where the last of the good QBs will be available.

 

 

[Stinger226]

I agree in general.

 

OT, WR, OT, WR, Edge, CB. The simple fact is, the Bears are still several pieces away. Given that Pace has staked his job on Trubisky, I know what I would do if I were him. I'd virtually ignore defense and tell Fox and Fangio to coach'em up.

 

One note: A first round OT could work, regardless of Leno. Leno can sit the bench for all I care.

 

Leno wont be replaced this year, his play has been okay, but we have to replace RT.

 

Next year we need to address OLB, RT and then WR in that order.

 

In FAgency there are a bevy of WRs, so I think we sign someone like Jarvis, Adams,and find a speed guy.

I dont see much at RT in free agency, so we have to make that a priority.

There isnt much in free agency at OLB either, so that has to be addressed in the draft.

 

I have yet to view the draftees closely but here is a shot with what i know now

 

6: R1P6

EDGE BRADLEY CHUBB

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

 

38: R2P6

WR CALVIN RIDLEY

ALABAMA

 

108: R4P6

OT CASEY TUCKER

STANFORD

 

109: R4P7

CB QUENTON MEEKS

STANFORD

 

144: R5P6

OT ALEX CAPPA

HUMBOLDT STATE

 

185: R6P6

EDGE LORENZO CARTER

GEORGIA

 

 

[Stinger226]

Leno wont be replaced this year, his play has been okay, but we have to replace RT.

 

Next year we need to address OLB, RT and then WR in that order.

 

In FAgency there are a bevy of WRs, so I think we sign someone like Jarvis, Adams,and find a speed guy.

I dont see much at RT in free agency, so we have to make that a priority.

There isnt much in free agency at OLB either, so that has to be addressed in the draft.

 

I have yet to view the draftees closely but here is a shot with what i know now

 

6: R1P6

EDGE BRADLEY CHUBB

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

 

38: R2P6

WR CALVIN RIDLEY

ALABAMA

 

108: R4P6

OT CASEY TUCKER

STANFORD

 

109: R4P7

CB QUENTON MEEKS

STANFORD

 

144: R5P6

OT ALEX CAPPA

HUMBOLDT STATE

 

185: R6P6

EDGE LORENZO CARTER

GEORGIA

 

Here is one I could do with trades, I like it better.

 

Round 1 Pick 12 (NYJ): Austin Bryant, DE, Clemson (A)

Round 2 Pick 6: Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame (A)

Round 2 Pick 12 (NYJ): Courtland Sutton, WR, Southern Methodist (A)

Round 2 Pick 24 (NYJ): Anthony Averett, CB, Alabama (A-)

Round 4 Pick 10: David Sills, WR, West Virginia (A+)

Round 4 Pick 20 (ATL): Brandon Facyson, CB, Virginia Tech (A+)

Round 4 Pick 29 (N.E.): Chad Thomas, DE, Miami (FL) (B+)

Round 5 Pick 6: Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn (A+)

Round 6 Pick 6: David Bright, OT, Stanford (A)

Round 7 Pick 6: Cole Reyes, SS, North Dakota (B-)

Round 7 Pick 7 (CAR): Cody OConnell, OG, Washington State (A)

 

 

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Leno wont be replaced this year, his play has been okay, but we have to replace RT.

 

Next year we need to address OLB, RT and then WR in that order.

 

In FAgency there are a bevy of WRs, so I think we sign someone like Jarvis, Adams,and find a speed guy.

I dont see much at RT in free agency, so we have to make that a priority.

There isnt much in free agency at OLB either, so that has to be addressed in the draft.

 

I have yet to view the draftees closely but here is a shot with what i know now

 

6: R1P6

EDGE BRADLEY CHUBB

NORTH CAROLINA STATE

 

38: R2P6

WR CALVIN RIDLEY

ALABAMA

 

108: R4P6

OT CASEY TUCKER

STANFORD

 

109: R4P7

CB QUENTON MEEKS

STANFORD

 

144: R5P6

OT ALEX CAPPA

HUMBOLDT STATE

 

185: R6P6

EDGE LORENZO CARTER

GEORGIA

They have to hit on OLB and OT and it would best if they can do so with a 1st RD trade down. Would love to see them land a extra or future 1st along with a 3rd. As you said, they can add a good WR in FA and then draft one RD3 or after. Would love Ridley but without elite pass protection, the WR won't help.

[jason]

They have to hit on OLB and OT and it would best if they can do so with a 1st RD trade down. Would love to see them land a extra or future 1st along with a 3rd. As you said, they can add a good WR in FA and then draft one RD3 or after. Would love Ridley but without elite pass protection, the WR won't help.

 

Bingo. This is something that has eluded the Bears and most fans for years and years.

[Stinger226]

Bingo. This is something that has eluded the Bears and most fans for years and years.

now you guys have me doing this everyday. I pretended I was Jason and drafted 2 OTs first.

 

Your score is: 16095 (GRADE: B-)

 

Your Picks:

Round 1 Pick 14 (MIA): Connor Williams, OT, Texas (A-)

Round 2 Pick 1 (CLE): Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame (

Round 2 Pick 6: Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama (A-)

Round 2 Pick 19 (G.B.): Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State (

Round 3 Pick 19 (G.B.): Chad Thomas, DE, Miami (FL) (C+)

Round 4 Pick 6: Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford (A+)

Round 4 Pick 10: Auden Tate, WR, Florida State (C+)

Round 5 Pick 6: Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn (A+)

Round 6 Pick 6: Porter Gustin, OLB, Southern California (A)

Round 7 Pick 6: Nyles Morgan, ILB, Notre Dame (C+)

 

[jason]

now you guys have me doing this everyday. I pretended I was Jason and drafted 2 OTs first.

 

Your score is: 16095 (GRADE: B-)

 

Your Picks:

Round 1 Pick 14 (MIA): Connor Williams, OT, Texas (A-)

Round 2 Pick 1 (CLE): Mike McGlinchey, OT, Notre Dame (

Round 2 Pick 6: Ronnie Harrison, SS, Alabama (A-)

Round 2 Pick 19 (G.B.): Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State (

Round 3 Pick 19 (G.B.): Chad Thomas, DE, Miami (FL) (C+)

Round 4 Pick 6: Quenton Meeks, CB, Stanford (A+)

Round 4 Pick 10: Auden Tate, WR, Florida State (C+)

Round 5 Pick 6: Daniel Carlson, K, Auburn (A+)

Round 6 Pick 6: Porter Gustin, OLB, Southern California (A)

Round 7 Pick 6: Nyles Morgan, ILB, Notre Dame (C+)

 

Assuming Connor Williams and McGlinchey are nearly as good as promised, that draft would put the Bears in the playoffs in 2019 for sure, and 2018 a solid maybe. Great draft overall.

 

• Williams - Sitton - Whitehair - Long - McGlinchey would be the best OL in the NFL.
• Parris would be a great deep threat the Bears need.
• Tate would be a starter by the end of the 2018 (barring FAs).
• Harrison is a difference maker at SS.
• And last but not least, Carlson would be a great pick for us, even if a bit early