Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears 2017 Mock Draft: Early Expectations

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 7, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Cordrea Tankersley (25) attempts to bring down Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) during the first quarter at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports

The preseason is concluded and the Chicago Bears got their first glimpses of where they might need to place their focus in the 2017 NFL draft next April.

It shouldn’t be a shock that this team still has obvious holes left to fill. GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox inherited the oldest roster in the league last season. They’ve had to work feverishly to rebuild it while still trying to make the team competitive. Needless to say there have been a flew slip ups and miscalculations. Often it takes three off-seasons to get things off the ground. Next year will be the third. So how could it look?

1st Round

Cordrea Tankersley

CB, Clemson

Cordrea Tankersley is a name that continues to fly under the radar in college football. Playing on a loaded roster at Clemson can have that effect. Nonetheless it’s clear the 6’1″ defender has the look of that prototypical press corner mentality who plays a physical brand of football. Quarterbacks have learned not to test him too often as he’s difficult to get past. He’ll need to show more consistency now that he’s the guy, but his upside is huge.

Oct 25, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) rushes Michigan Wolverines offensive lineman Mason Cole (52 )during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Round

Mason Cole

OT, Michigan

Hroniss Grasu tore his ACL and Bobby Massie is a decent run blocker but unreliable pass protector. Mason Cole represents a unique solution to this problem. During most of his Michigan career he was a solid contributor at tackle for the Wolverines, boasting efficient pass blocking skill and a physical edge in the run game. In 2016 he is making the switch to center. That versatility will give Chicago lots of options upon scooping him up here.

Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) runs after a reception past South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) in the second half of the game at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Round

Jordan Leggett

TE, Clemson

One of the more intriguing names to watch this year is Jordan Leggett. Clemson has become quite the football factory for offensive talent in recent seasons and this young tight end is emerging as a legitimate threat. He’s got good enough speed to threaten down the seam and a 6’5″ frame to present plenty of matchup problems for linebackers and safeties. He’s not quite a go-to target yet but his building experience is pushing him to new heights.

Oct 17, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes defensive end Hunter Dimick (49) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) during the first half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Utah won 34-18. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

4th Round (via BUF)

Hunter Dimick

OLB, Utah

So adding more young depth at the position is simple smart logic. Hunter Dimick is a name to watch. He comes from a solid program at Utah and showed just what he could do in 2014 when he delivered 10 sacks. His physical dimensions and athleticism fit the 3-4 outside linebacker mold. The question is has he gotten over the injury problems that limited him to seven games in 2015? No doubt he could be a potential gem in the 4th round.

Oct 24, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Seth Russell (17) passes the ball during the first half against the Iowa State Cyclones at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

4th Round

Seth Russell

QB , Baylor

Baylor hasn’t been the greatest source of news lately thanks to a ridiculous string of rape and violence cases against several of their football players. One of the lost stories is quarterback Seth Russell. He was lighting the college football world on fire a year ago. He had 35 touchdowns (29 passing, six rushing) in just seven games. Unfortunately a neck injury ended his season. He’s anxious to get back on track. At 6’3″ he has the size and arm to play in the NFL, not to mention the legs. He’ll need time to develop as a pro passer, but it’s the kind of project that could yield big dividends.

Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5th Round

Quincy Wilson

CB , Florida

Florida has become a school rich in defensive backs lately, having trotted out a number of 1st rounders. Quincy Wilson won’t go that high due to size and speed concerns, but the young man has shown he’s uniquely suited to play the nickel position. In 2015 he delivered two interceptions for the Gators and figures to gain added experience on the outside opposite Jalen Tabor. For a team as starved as the Bears for quality corners, there is no shame in continuing to add bodies at the position.

Sep 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes place kicker Andy Phillips (39) kicks a first quarter field goal with holder Utah Utes punter Mitch Wishnowsky (33 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

7th Round

Andy Phillips

K, Utah

Utah kicker Andy Phillips seemed like the logical target based on early draft projections. He went 23-of-27 in 2015 and has missed just one extra point during his entire college career. He may not be known for distance with a maximum of 53 yards, but in the swirling winds of Soldier Field it’s more about accuracy than anything else. He should be able to handle that.