(670 The Score) The Bears don't own a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, but they have key opportunities with two picks in the second round at No. 43 and No. 50 overall.
Opinions are mixed on what the Bears can accomplish and what positions they'll address. As we wait to find out, here's a compilation of mock drafts as outlets project which players the Bears will select.
Pick 43
Ryan Wilson, CBSSports.com: Grant Delpit, LSU safety
Comment: Delpit came into the season as the top safety, but struggles with tackling and questions about his deep speed see him slip to Round 2.
Michael Renner, Pro Football Focus: Trevon Diggs, Alabama cornerback
Comment: Diggs is still so raw for the cornerback position and can be a bit of a risk-taker at times. The Bears' defense is so talented, though, that they can afford to take a chance on playmakers like him. Diggs allowed only 309 yards all last season — although 133 of those came against LSU.
Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune: Cesar Ruiz, Michigan center
Comment: Ruiz is athletic and flashes toughness, and the Bears could plug him in immediately at right guard to give them a young building block for the future. His addition would allow them to slide Germain Ifedi, projected to compete at right guard, into a swing tackle role.
Adam Hoge, NBC Sports Chicago: Lloyd Cushenberry, LSU offensive lineman
Comment: Ryan Pace has had success with quiet, high-character interior linemen in the second round. Cushenberry could join Cody Whitehair and James Daniels on the Bears' interior, giving them a boost in the running game they badly need. Cushenberry was primarily a center at LSU but has the capability of moving to guard, giving new offensive line coach Juan Castillo some options on how he wants to deploy the interior trio – all drafted in the second round.
Cam Ellis, NBC Sports Chicago: Grant Delpit, LSU safety
J.J. Stankevitz: Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne safety
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Cesar Ruiz, Michigan center
Kevin Hanson, Sports Illustrated: Damon Arnette, Ohio State cornerback
Pick 50
Wilson, CBSSports.com: Jacob Eason, Washington quarterback
Comment: Is Mitchell Trubisky the answer? How about Nick Foles? No? Then why not take a chance on the strong-armed quarterback from Washington who would've likely been a first-rounder had he returned to school in 2021?
Renner, Pro Football Focus: Antoine Winfield, Minnesota safety
Comment: Winfield's seven interceptions didn't happen by accident. He's yet another ballhawk who the Bears add to their secondary. They could target offense in the second round, but returning their defense to its dominant 2018 form is their quickest route to Super Bowl contention.
Biggs, Chicago Tribune: Jeff Gladney, TCU quarterback
Comment: The Bears are expected to seek a trade down with at least one of their second-round picks to add depth to their class. Whether they accomplish that goal or not, cornerback looms as an area of need. Gladney has a slender build (5-10, 191) but makes up for it with a feisty demeanor. He plays press coverage and closes on the ball well.
Hoge, NBC Sports Chicago: Jalen Hurts, Alabama quarterback
Comment: Hurts is a much better passer than he gets credit for. There are fair concerns about his ability to process and anticipate throws, but he plays with extreme confidence and elevates the players around him. Hurts can play quarterback at the next level and would be in a great spot learning from Nick Foles in Matt Nagy's offense.
Ellis, NBC Sports Chicago: Isaiah Wilson, Georgia offensive lineman
Stankevitz, NBC Sports Chicago: Chase Claypool, Notre Dame receiver
Reuter, NFL.com: Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois safety
Hanson, Sports Illustrated: Jeremy Chinn, Southern Illinois safety
