As I do each offseason, I'll run through various "theme" mock drafts to learn about several players the Chicago Bears could draft. For my first mock of this annual series, I like to make it as easy as possible and just do a straight BPA for all seven rounds.
I used the Pro Football & Sports Network draft simulator, and I picked the top prospect on the board at every selection, with the only caveat being no double-dipping at any position. I feel the Bears have their roster in a pretty good place after the first week of free agency, so any position could be in play.
Here's how the board fell.
10. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Right off the bat, I was disappointed in how the board looked. It's not that I don't like Jeanty or think he'll be a good pro; I just think the running back class is good enough for the Bears to wait and get a back later while addressing the trenches at ten overall.
That said, I'd eventually come around and be fired up to see how Ben Johnson used Jeanty if he ended up in the Navy and Orange,
39. Tyleik Williams, DT,Ohio State - Chicago's defense fell apart last year when Andrew Billings went down with an injury, so free agent Grady Jarrett and a day-two defensive tackle would do wonders for their interior. Williams is quick and athletic enough to stunt in Dennis Allen's new defense, and he has the size (6'3", 334 lbs) to hold his own against the run.
41. Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State - I was hoping an offensive lineman would be on the board early, and Jackson is a guy I could see the Bears having interest in. Much like what new Bears LG Joe Thuney did in K.C. by kicking out to left tackle due to injury, Jackson did the same thing at Ohio State last season when LT Josh Simmons tore up his knee.
72. Azareye'h Thomas, CB,Florida State - The Bears have some question marks opposite Pro Bowl corner Jaylon Johnson, so I could see them adding competition. I'd rather it not come this early, but that's how my BPA board fell.
148. Sai'vion Jones, EDGE,LSU - Defensive end is a must at some point, and Jones (6'5 ", 280) does fit the profile that Dennis Allen wants. I've seen some sites project him on day two.
233. Jackson Hawes, TE,Georgia Tech - The Bears did sign a backup Y in free agency, but Hawes has lined up in the backfield and flexed off the line for some wham blocks.
240. Jalen Travis, OT,Iowa State - Travis needs to tighten up his technique, but he has good size (6'8", 339) and would be a nice developmental swing tackle project.