{"id":133312,"date":"2022-04-27T15:31:29","date_gmt":"2022-04-27T19:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=133312"},"modified":"2022-04-27T15:34:02","modified_gmt":"2022-04-27T19:34:02","slug":"chicago-bears-mock-draft-laying-the-groundwork-for-justin-fields","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/04\/27\/chicago-bears-mock-draft-laying-the-groundwork-for-justin-fields\/","title":{"rendered":"Chicago Bears Mock Draft: Laying the Groundwork for Justin Fields"},"content":{"rendered":"

Other than mock drafts, the Chicago Bears will have to wait a day to participate in the NFL Draft that begins on April 28. As it currently stands, their first selection<\/a> will not come until April 29 the 39th overall pick. It\u2019s a reminder of just how bad things got necessitating a regime change spearheaded by general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

They are facing the daunting task of building out a thin roster without a first-round pick. The idea of landing a top-tier wide receiver prospect in this class sounds good. But it would require the board falling just right or a trade-up meaning giving up more draft capital.<\/span><\/p>\n

With that in mind, this mock draft using Pro Football Focus\u2019 Mock Draft Simulator<\/a> lays a solid foundation for the Bears and, most importantly, second-year quarterback Justin Fields.<\/span><\/p>\n

Justin Fields Gets Protection and Weapons in Chicago Bears Mock Draft<\/span><\/h2>\n

Pick No. 39 –\u00a0 Kyler Gordon – CB – Washington<\/span><\/h3>\n

We were tempted to take a wide receiver. But the drop-off in cornerbacks is steeper from the second round on than most will acknowledge. At the risk of missing out on a top target for Fields, the defense gets attention with the University of Washington\u2019s Kyler Gordon<\/a>, a 6-foot defender with experience inside and out.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Bears signed Tavon Young this offseason<\/a> but he is best suited to play inside at nickelback (when healthy). Their options opposite Jaylon Johnson<\/a> on the outside are less than inspiring between Kindle Vildor, Duke Shelley, and second-year man Thomas Graham who appeared in each of the final four games of last season, starting one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gordon fills one of two massive holes in a defense that ranked 29th in passing touchdowns allowed, 29th in interceptions, and 30th in passing yards allowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

A First Team All Pac-12 selection last season, Gordon has all of the physical tools to be a solid starting cornerback. He will need to work on the technical aspects to hone his craft. But he fits the bill of a long, rangy corner with a wingspan nearing 75 inches and a 4.5 40-yard dash time.<\/span><\/p>\n

Versatile enough to fit in any type of scheme, Gordon could benefit from playing in the Bears new zone-based defense.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keeping the play in front of him should help to reduce the chance for missed reads and allows him to play fast.<\/span><\/p>\n

[pickup_prop id=”23203″]<\/p>\n

Pick No. 48 (via LAC) – Christian Watson – WR – North Dakota State<\/span><\/h3>\n

This was not unexpected, to be very honest. Many outlets have the Bears selecting a wide receiver at the top of the draft. Some have them taking multiple pass-catchers in this draft. Christian Watson<\/a> has been projected to go as high as the back end of the first round thanks to a stellar showing at the Senior Bowl. There are concerns over his competition and drop issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Treylon Burks was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the 25th overall selection in our simulation. He would have been the top option if available. Georgia\u2019s George Pickens was also a consideration but we chose to pass on the injury concerns.<\/span><\/p>\n

At 6-foot-4 and running a 4.3, Watson solves a couple of significant issues for the Bears who added<\/a> 6-foot-5 Allen Lazard as well as 6-foot-1 Byron Pringle this offseason.<\/span><\/p>\n