Chicago Bears Complete 2014 NFL Mock Draft
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2013; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles (99) celebrates a fumble recover against the Vanderbilt Commodores in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
The only thing Chicago Bears fans can agree is they have no idea who their team will draft. This 2014 NFL mock draft reflects that.
#14 – Calvin Pryor – FS – Louisville
One thing I noticed last season is if a team has any aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl, they need to get physical on both sides of the ball. The Bears were much too soft in their secondary at times last season and that has to change. Calvin Pryor is a rangy, fast, confident and ferocious safety from Louisville who will bring the wood from the back end and has plenty of upside in coverage duties to erase the Chris Conte nightmare.
#51 – Carlos Hyde – RB – Ohio State
In keeping with that physical idea, if any team wants to make it all the way it will have to go through Seattle and San Francisco, the two best defenses in the league. That means being able to pound the football. Matt Forte is a Pro Bowler but also 28-years old and has no backup of any note behind him. Carlos Hyde drove the OhioState rushing machine with his downhill style, conjuring images of Marshawn Lynch. That overshadows how deceptively good he is as a pass catcher. This is a surprise pick, but could turn into a really good one for Chicago.
#82 – Kelcy Quarles – DT – South Carolina
It’s a calculated risk to wait so long but the depth of defensive tackle in the 2014 class should allow the Chicago Bears to get a quality interior pass rusher in the third round if they stay patient. They scouted Kelcy Quarles during the pre-draft process and for good reason. The South Carolina product has outstanding length, power and an explosive first step that made him a productive rusher in 2013 with 9.5 sacks.
#117 – Walt Aikens – CB – Liberty
Charles Tillman is back but for how much longer at age 33? The Bears need to start loading up on young corners. Walt Aikens is a small school prospect but boasts fluidity in coverage, long arms and good vision in zone. He also doesn’t shrink from his responsibilities to tackle. He’s a perfect rotational guy with long-term starter potential.
#156 – Gregory Ducre – CB – Washington
Washington is becoming a hotbed for defensive backs in college. Gregory Ducre might be their next success story. Extremely athletic with 4.3 speed, he overcomes minor height questions with a gutty attitude, explosive burst to close on ball carriers and disciplined tackling.
#183 – David Fales – QB – San Jose State
Jim Harbaugh wasn’t shy about his affection for David Fales, which should interest Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman. Harbaugh after all learned much of his offensive philosophy under Trestman in Oakland. Fales doesn’t quite have the preferred body or hand size but his eyes, decision-making and accuracy are slated to be a perfect fit for a West Coast style offense. He is an excellent backup option for Jay Cutler.
#191 – Marcel Jensen – TE – Fresno State
Phil Emery showed last year he’ll take a flier on inexperienced offensive weapons late in the draft if he feels their athletic potential is high enough. Marcel Jensen is an intriguing specimen out of FresnoState. His production is minimal given he played in a spread offense and was primarily a blocker. However, tape shows a 6’6″ monster with good speed and the hands to make the catch when his quarterback bothers to throw him the ball.