Draft Analysis: NFL Draft Needs: Bears

Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld’s NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld’s college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they’re breaking down every team’s biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.

For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.

No. 1 Team Need: Defensive Back

Silva’s Analysis

The Bears have multiple needs in the secondary, where 33-year-old Antrel Rolle is on his last legs and Chicago played musical chairs at slot corner last season. The Bears did re-sign successful reclamation project LCB Tracy Porter, but he has an ugly injury history and will be on the wrong side of 30 when the season starts. RCB Kyle Fuller is talented but inconsistent. In DC Vic Fangio‘s scheme, strong safeties tend to be wood-laying tone setters and cornerbacks have to be able to play man.

No. 2 Team Need: Running Back

Silva’s Analysis

2015 fourth-round pick Jeremy Langford mixed some productive games into his rookie year, but emerged with an anemic 3.63 yards-per-carry average and eight dropped passes, most among NFL running backs. Even if the Bears believe Langford can become their lead runner, they need an upgrade on replacement-level reserves Ka’Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers. Running the ball efficiently and voluminously is always prioritized in John Fox offenses. The Bears’ offseason pursuit of C.J. Anderson strongly indicates another back will be added.

No. 3 Team Need: Tight End

Silva’s Analysis

Even after an active free-agency period, the Bears remain one of the NFL’s neediest teams. Other positions considered here were left tackle, quarterback and defensive line. Chicago has only David Fales and Matt Blanchard behind Jay Cutler, who is entering a make-or-break year under a regime that didn’t bring him into the organization and aggressively tried to trade him one offseason ago. Additionally, pass rush is an area most teams could afford to upgrade, and Chicago is no different. Most apparent is the Bears’ internal feeling that tight end is a need following their failed pursuit of Saints’ restricted free agent Josh Hill. Current starter Zach Miller is entering his age-32 season and has been injured for most of his career. In Rob Housler, Khari Lee and Gannon Sinclair, the depth chart is rounded out by borderline NFL-level players.

Norris’ Mock Draft

Round 1 (11): T Ronnie Stanley, Notre Dame – The Bears upgraded right tackle (and right guard) with Bobby Massie moving in and Kyle Long moving over. I like Charles Leno coming out of school… as a backup tackle or utility offensive lineman. Not to start. Ronnie Stanley offers pass protecting prowess, using his length and footwork to mirror his opposition. These prospects are selected early to win in the passing game. Stanley is far from a liability in the running game.

Round 2 (41): CB Artie Burns, Miami – A pure “tools” corner, but one that I bet a number of coaches will want to work with. When it all is put together, Burns flashes high level play. He has the length many teams covet.

Round 3 (72): TE Austin Hooper, Stanford – Matt Waldman’s top tight end in the class. I can’t go there, but Hooper possesses a lot of inline ability. He is comfortable working in the short and intermediate areas of the field, down the seam and has the body control to adjust to difficult catches.

Round 4 (106): RB Alex Collins, Arkansas – Collins is one of the better backs at picking up the yards blocked for him, running with determination in the hopes of beating first contact or falling forward. He can also pass protect. Don’t expect a dynamic runner here.

Round 4 (127): DL Joel Heath, Michigan State – A potential defensive lineman who fits best in an odd man front, or outside to inside style. The Bears need depth along their defensive line, especially players who fit their scheme.

Round 5 (150): S Kavon Frazier, CMU – Frazier can really close from a strong safety spot. Sometimes his angles aren’t great, but he wants to be a hammer and make a play near the line of scrimmage.

Round 6 (185): QB Brandon Allen, Arkansas – Allen could be selected earlier than this, but third day quarterback rankings will vary wildly from team to team. Allen really showed the ability to handle the passing game inside of structure this year.

Round 6 (206): WR K.J. Maye, Minnesota – Jamison Crowder after taxes. Maye is best in the slot.

Round 7 (230): G Ted Karras, Illinois – Depth at the guard position. Karras did not look out of place at the East West Shrine Game.

Bears Current Offensive Depth Chart

QB: Jay Cutler

RB: Jeremy Langford

WR: Alshon Jeffery

WR: Kevin White

WR: Eddie Royal

TE: Zach Miller

LT: Charles Leno

LG: Matt Slauson

C: Hroniss Grasu