Bears Mock Draft: Starting over with a Justin Fields trade

Finishing off the offensive line in Chicago

Round 2, No. 51 — Cooper Beebe, OL, Kansas State

I mentioned a few starting offensive linemen earlier, and I really do believe all three of Wright, Jones, and Jenkins can be quality starters. But no matter how good that trio is, the Bears need more from the other guard position and center. There’s no two ways about it.

Enter Cooper Beebe. One of my favorite tape watches in the 2024 class, the Kansas State alum flashes impeccable technique and a red-hot motor. He isn’t the most athletic in the world, but during his time in college, Beebe has shown more than enough to be trusted as a blocker in space — both in the run game and the passing game.

In 1,224 pass-blocking reps the past three seasons, Beebe has only been charged with ONE sack. His PFF grade sits north of 90 in this area in 2023, highlighting the fact that he’s still improving each week. The Wildcat leader is also an above-average contributor in the run game, paving the way toward being an instant starter for the Bears.

Round 3, No. 69 — Brandon Dorlus, DL, Oregon

The front seven has a few exciting pieces, including the recently acquired Montez Sweat, but more reinforcements are needed. Brandon Dorlus, a long-time starter for the Oregon Ducks, flexes dominant reps on tape. He is a powerful pass rusher capable of lining up as far inside as the 3-tech and as far outside as a standup rusher off the edge.

That versatility, paired with a core strength few of his peers possess, will allow Dorlus to make waves as a rookie. He is the ideal addition to the defensive line; opposing offensive lines will have a headache game planning for Dorlus, Sweat, and Gervon Dexter.

Round 4, No. 104 — Christian Haynes, OL, UConn

Another addition to the offensive line, this time the final piece of the puzzle. Christian Haynes can play center or guard in the NFL, and similar to Beebe, he has the skill set to step in and start immediately. Haynes mostly spent time at guard, but look for the UConn alum to take most of his reps from the center position at the Senior Bowl.

He profiles best as the middle man in an NFL unit, using his bowling ball mentality to create lanes inside for his running backs while mitigating any pressure that comes from the defensive tackle position. Along with Jones, Wright, Jenkins, and Beebe, the Bears would finally have a suitable offensive line from tackle to tackle.

A chess piece to cap this Bears mock draft

Round 4, No. 132 — Jaylan Ford, LB, Texas

Jaylan Ford is a player who gets caught with a “tweener” label, but regardless of what position he ultimately plays on Sundays, he is a really good football player. Ford is best suited as a downhill defender, using his impressive first step to pound any ball carrier headed his way.

He’s a “read and react” player who shows nice instincts as a tackler. With the Bears, Ford could serve as a rotational piece in the linebacker room and even throw his hat in the ring as a pass rusher from time to time. At 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, he possesses the requisite size to be a chess piece for the Chicago defense.