LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) – The Bears addressed their need at offensive tackle by selecting Darnell Wright out of Tennessee with the No. 10 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday evening, but their work in this pivotal draft has only just begun.
General manager Ryan Poles understands he still has plenty of needs to fill as he runs his second draft in Chicago, and the Bears will have plenty of opportunities to do so across the next two days. The Bears still hold selections in this draft, including three Friday, when the second and third rounds will be conducted. The Bears hold the No. 53 and No. 61 picks in the second round as well as No. 64 overall, which is the first slot in the third round.
Here are 10 of the best remaining prospects on the board who would fit the Bears as the second round of the NFL Draft is set to start Friday at 6 p.m. CT.
Northwestern defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore
Adebawore caught the attention of scouts at the NFL Combine, where he logged an athleticism score that was best among all defensive linemen prospects. He posted a 4.49 time in the 40-yard dash and showcased the type of athleticism that allowed him to break out at Northwestern in 2022. Adebawore is a versatile prospect who could potentially move around the Bears’ defensive line.
Wisconsin defensive tackle Keeanu Benton
After addressing a need at offensive tackle in the first round, the Bears could make a move for a defensive tackle in Benton, who was a four-year starter for the Badgers and who would bring a stout presence to the line.
Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Cornerback isn’t an obvious need for the Bears, but they could certainly improve their secondary. Porter was an All-Big Ten cornerback for the Nittany Lions, and he could start alongside Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon in the Bears’ secondary.
Ole Miss wide receiver Jonathan Mingo
There was a run on wide receivers in the first round, and now Mingo is the top player available at his position. He’s well-built at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds and could be a key target in the Bears’ arsenal.
Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann
Could the Bears select offensive linemen with their first two picks of this draft? Perhaps, if they like Tippman enough. He could compete to be Chicago’s starting center if the Bears add him on the second day of the draft.
LSU edge rusher BJ Ojulari
Ojulari posted 5.5 sacks and earned first-team All-SEC honors for the Tigers last season. He would immediately become the Bears’ top edge rusher if they selected him.
Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt
How about another Tennessee Volunteer to Chicago? Hyatt had 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, and he ranked third among all receivers in athleticism scores at the NFL Combine.
Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz
A Flossmoor native and All-American for the Golden Gophers, Schmitz was a standout at the Senior Bowl in January who made an impression on the Bears.
Georgia Tech edge rusher Keion White
At 6-foot-5 and 285 pounds, White will bring a big frame to the NFL while projecting as a raw-but-promising prospect. He had 7.5 sacks last season.
Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer
Mayer surprisingly fell out of the first round Thursday. He was a first-team All-American who shattered Notre Dame tight end records. Would the Bears want to pair Mayer together with fellow Notre Dame product Cole Kmet?
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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