With a week of free agency on the books, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. dropped a brand new NFL mock draft, and he based his latest mock on what he’s hearing from executives, scouts, and coaches around the league.
He didn’t make any trades this time, but he does have the Chicago Bears going in a new direction, Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams.
Here’s what Kiper had to say about his pick for the Bears.
I’ve gone offensive line for the Bears in both of my previous mock drafts, but that box was checked in free agency. Chicago traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson then signed center Drew Dalman. And while the Bears also added Dayo Odeyingbo and Grady Jarrett on the defensive front, they could still use someone like Williams coming off the edge. They ranked in the middle of the pack last season in sacks (40) but were 24th in pass rush win rate (36.5%).
Williams is a toolsy prospect who can beat blockers with his speed or power. He missed time with an ankle injury early last season but still picked up five sacks. Given a little more time to develop, he could be a really solid NFL edge rusher.
Williams isn’t a player who has been mocked to Chicago very often, but he has good size at 6’5’’, 260 pounds, with 34 3/8’’ arms. In three years on the talented Georgia defense, he had 67 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, four passes defended, a fumble recovery, and three forced fumbles. He needs to work on a pass-rush plan, but he’s a good athlete, plays with a high motor, and plays the run well.
In Kiper’s mock, Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty was off the board, as was Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham, but all the offensive linemen were still available.
What are your thoughts on Williams to the Bears at 10 overall?