Chicago Bears Pre-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft

Five Best Players Available: Ashton Jeanty, Will Campbell, Luther Burden III, James Pearce Jr., Mike Green

I have difficulty not selecting either an EDGE rusher or offensive tackle at this spot. Teams rarely find top-tier players at those two positions outside the first round. While I believe Ashton Jeanty is the best player available, the Bears need to patch many holes in free agency before going that route.

I chose James Pearce because the drop-off from a first-round EDGE to a second-round EDGE seems more significant than it does for offensive linemen in this year's class. Mike Green is also a possibility. While both Pearce and Green carry some off-field uncertainties, I feel more comfortable with Pearce at this point.

Round 2, Pick 39: Alabama OG Tyler Booker

Five Best Players Available: Jihaad Campbell , Benjamin Morrison, Tyleik Williams, Jack Bech, Xavier Watts

Booker is the safest pick of the class this late. Many are skeptical that Booker makes it out of the first round. He may get to pick 39, but the NFL combine will be necessary for determining his draft position. His perceived athleticism limits his ceiling and scheme versatility. Based on his tape alone, not every team will see Booker as a fit for their run scheme. If he has a strong showing at the NFL combine, his draft stock will improve, and he likely won't get to pick 39.

Round 2, Pick 41: Texas DT Alfred Collins

Five Best Players Available: Jihaad Campbell, Benjamin Morrison, Tyleik Williams, Jack Bech, Xavier Watts

The Bears need defensive tackle depth, and Collins is higher on my board than most. According to PFF, Tyleik Williams was the best DT on the board. I have both players graded very similarly but for different reasons. Collins's upside is exceptionally high. While he is the more raw player currently, I have to bet on traits like his when I get the chance.

Round 3, Pick 72: UCF RB RJ Harvey

Five Best Players Available: Kyle Kennard, Josaiah Stewart, Ozzy Trapilo, Kevin Winston Jr., Wyatt Milum

Harvey is a fun football player, and I had difficulty passing on him here. The Bears need a running back, and Harvey's dynamic playmaking ability would be a blast to watch in Ben Johnson's offense. Sure, you could trade down here and target another back later in the class, but the Bears will value the RB position and could target a player they are higher on than the consensus.

Round 5, Pick 148: Notre Dame TE Mitchell Evans

The Bears need a backup tight end, and what better place to look than Notre Dame? Kmet and Evans will make a fighting Irish duo in Chicago for years to come as Ben Johnson doles out the pain in 12 personnel.

Round 6, Pick 196: Boston College C Drew Kendall

Kendall probably won't be available here, but if he is, the Bears should run the pick in. He is not a must-have player or a guaranteed hit, but his love for the game bleeds through the tape. His dad played offensive guard in the NFL for eight years, and those are the types of intangibles and bloodlines I am willing to bet on.

Round 7, Pick 234: Maryland S Dante Trader Jr.

The Bears need some depth at safety and special teams' bodies. Trader was a two-sport athlete in Maryland, playing football and lacrosse.

Round 7, Pick 241: Indiana LB Jailin Walker

In the seventh round, you are lucky if you find a special team's body. Positional value is out the window. My theory is to go for the higher variance positions where players tend to fall, like safety and linebacker. Walker was part of a culture turnaround in Indiana. I am willing to take a swing on that.