First, a quick note that I did some minor ranking changes in my Top 400 list. So if you are checking my work closely, you might see a player today, who had a different ranking in a Mock a few days ago. Kinda crazy, just like the real Draft process.
Da Bears have 7 Picks, but are without a First Rounder (again) as they continue to pay for getting KHALIL MACK from the Raiders. It is also rather unlikely that they will find a lot of help for the top of their roster from this Draft. After their 2 Second Round picks, the remaining five are at Pick 163 and later. However, that still gives them a chance to strengthen depth at the bottom half of their roster… in theory.
Round 2, Pick 43 JOSH JONES OT Houston 6’5/319 (PP#46) It’s about time that the team invested a high Pick in an OT. For all the griping of poor play by TRUBISKY, there seems to be very little noise about the mediocrity along their offensive front five. JONES is a 4-year starter from the AAC, which may be the best of the non-Power Five conferences. He has nice size for an NFL OT, including 10 1/8″ hands and 33 7/8″ arms. Best of all, he’s a natural knee bender who maintains good balance and power in pass-pro. His 40-time of 5.27 is alright because his confidence in his technique and natural strength allow him to assume a patience and a calm demeanor against edge-rushers. He could use a bit more weight room work, and he’ll get it at the pro level. He may not win a starting job right away, but he’ll be given every chance to see playing time.
Round 2, Pick 50 DAVON HAMILTON DT Ohio State 6’4/327 (PP#51) 2019 was his first year as a full-time starter and he made the most of it. He is large and strong, filling right in with Big Bears like GOLDMAN and HICKS. He reminds me a bit of former Buckeyes DT JON HANKINS, with a bit more tenacity. His 5.14/40 is a true indicator of his straight line playing speed, but he’s not going to show up much outside of the OT. He is not a pass rusher, but his strength to push blockers aside allows him to push the pocket on occasion. With 33″ long arms, he was able to Bench Press 33 reps at the Combine. His upper body power is his best asset right now, and he needs to show more power and violence in his hand usage. He is a very nice addition to a not so deep DL room.
Here is where the big gap shows up in their Draft selections. So let’s jump ahead…
Round 5, Pick 163 DARRYNTON EVANS RB Appalachian State 5’10/203 (PP#162) Funny thing that I have the same player for two team mocks in a row, but EVANS is a rising player as we close in on the actual Draft. And what really appeals for DA BEARS situation is his speed/size combo, which is lacking in either COHEN or MONTGOMERY. Even COHEN, who has excellent quickness and shiftiness, cannot touch EVANS 4.41/40 from the Combine. He is a decent receiver and can handle Kick Return duties.
Round 6, Pick 196 QUINTEZ CEPHUS WR Wisconsin 6’1/202 (PP#194) At the end of February, CEPHUS posted the slowest 40-time of all the receivers at the Combine. No one is quite sure what happened there, but it really set CEPHUS back in his prospect ranking. He ran significantly faster at the Badgers Pro Day and put himself back into Draft reality. Despite an 8 3/4″ hand size, he is a solid “hands” catcher. He also possesses solid explosion (38 1/2″ vertical), which enables him to go high and win most jump ball contests with defenders. He is also a better than average route runner that will get some separation. Bears Coaches and QB’s will like the fact that CEPHUS will show up in traffic in the middle of the field. He should also be able to find some spots on Special Teams units. He had some legal issues that got him suspended from the team for all of 2018. He was acquitted and re-instated to the team. To attest to the talent level and skills of CEPHUS Ohio State CB JEFFREY OKUDAH, clearly the top CB to be selected in this draft, stated that CEPHUS was the best WR that he ever faced. Nice all-around addition to their receiving group, I’d say.
Round 6, Pick 200 JULIAN BLACKMON DB Utah 6’0/187 (PP#204) Blackmon should provide them with some solid versatility as they reshape their secondary (again). He was an All-Conference CB, until moving to a S slot as a senior. In 2019, he recorded 4 INT’s and 4 PBU’s. He has enough athleticism to find some spots in their Special Teams units, and will likely be one of their best ball tracking deep defenders. His tackling is somewhat inconsistent, but it’s not because he shies away from contact. He did record 60 Tackles last season. With solid coaching and want to, he could have a chance to earn a starting S slot in the future.
Round 7, Pick 233 CAMERON CLARK OG Charlotte 6’5/305 (PP#224) A standout in the relatively new Charlotte FBS Division program, he gets caught in the unenviable position to jump up in competition, and also have to move inside to OG because of a lack of length. He’s really under 6’5 with borderline arm length. He is big time battler with an aggressive attitude. He’s a 3 year starter, and a two time Captain. He’s a handful for defenders as a run blocker. In pass-pro, he looks tentative at times and draws too many flags. Can coaching fix that? Hopefully so, because if they can coach him up, he’ll at least be a versatile back-up. He’ll go into Training Camp with desire and effort, and some athleticism.
Pigskin
