Mock draft season gained’t be as a lot enjoyable for followers this yr as a result of Bears’ lack of first- and second-round picks. The crew’s first choice, barring any trades, gained’t be till the 87th total decide within the third spherical, so most mock drafts gained’t even dare attempt to guess what’s going to occur then up to now out. It’s already laborious sufficient predicting who’s going within the high 10.
But some mock draft consultants nonetheless take their stabs at projecting past the primary two rounds, which implies getting an thought of what the Bears would possibly do.
The most up-to-date got here Monday from Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, who did a whole mock draft of the primary three rounds. He tasks the Bears to make use of the 87th total decide on Iowa security Amani Hooker, who may very well be a long-term resolution on the place after the crew signed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to a one-year deal.
This isn’t the primary time Hooker, an All-Big Ten first crew and All-American second crew member in 2018, has been tied to the Bears in a mock draft. In late February after the tip of the NFL Scouting Combine, SB Nation additionally had the Bears choosing Hooker with their third-round choice.
Around the identical time, NFL.com projected the Bears would decide Vanderbilt cornerback Joejuan Williams, who might assist change Bryce Callahan within the nickel position.
USA Today had them going for Alabama working again Damien Harris within the third spherical, then addressing the secondary by choosing Kentucky cornerback Derrick Baity within the fourth spherical.
The losses of Adrian Amos to the Packers and Bryce Callahan to the Broncos have thinned out a secondary that thrived below Vic Fangio final yr. The crew signed Clinton-Dix to assist change Amos subsequent season, however it is sensible that mock draft analysts would anticipate defensive again to be a precedence.