Chicago Bears Mock Draft 2.0: Ryan Poles trades down twice for a huge haul

I have to admit, it’s been fun playing with some of these trade scenarios involving the Chicago Bears’ No. 1 overall draft pick. And with the NFL Combine behind us, it’s time for another Bears Mock Draft. 

After a trade back to No. 4 in Bears Mock Draft 1.0, this time we examine the possibility of a double trade back. 

Trades: Bears trade back to No. 9, then No. 11

The first trade looks like this… 

Chicago Bears receive: No. 9 overall pick, No. 39 overall pick, 2024 first round pick, 2025 first round pick

Carolina Panthers receive: No. 1 overall pick

This is the big haul Bears fans are clearly craving. It’s been talked about enough, so let’s roll with it in this simulation of the draft. But let’s take it one step forward. I’m moving back again.

Chicago Bears receive: No. 12 overall pick,  No. 65 overall

Houston Texans receive: No. 9 overall pick

It has been suggested that the Houston Texans could pass on taking a quarterback at No. 2 overall and instead secure the rights to Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson. I could see that happening, but I would still be surprised if they didn’t grab a quarterback in the first round. Remember, they also hold the No. 12 overall pick and there’s usually one quarterback that falls — even in strong quarterback classes. The Bears know a little something about that, as Justin Fields fell to No. 11 in 2021.

So if one of the top QBs is still available at No. 9, I could see the Texans using the No. 65 overall pick to move up and grab their guy. If that happens, this is what the Bears’ new draft capital would like after a double trade back:

First round, No. 12 overall (via HOU/CLE)

Second round, No. 39 overall (via CAR)

Second round, No. 53 overall (via BAL)

Third round, No. 64 overall
Third round, No. 65 overall (via HOU)

Fourth round, No. 103

Fourth round, No. 133 (from PHI)

Fifth round, No. 137

Fifth round, No. 150 (via BAL)

Seventh round, No. 220
Seventh round, No. 258 (supplemental compensatory)

2024 first round pick (CAR)

2025 first round pick (CAR)

Suddenly, the Bears have five picks in the top 65 this year and an extra first round pick in the next two drafts. With that in mind, let’s jump into the draft:

First round, No. 12 overall (via HOU/CLE) – WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State (6-1, 196)

This is all about giving Justin Fields some legitimate receiver help. Fields’ former teammate actually out-produced Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson in 2021 and is a very dangerous slot option, which would make life a lot easier on Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool. Smith-Njigba only played one season with Fields at Ohio State, but the two have a relationship and the existing chemistry could yield early results from the rookie. 

Second round, No. 39 overall (via CAR) – DL Adetomiwa Adebawore, Northwestern (6-1 5/8, 282)

General managers will tell you to pay attention to the outliers at the NFL Combine. Adetomiwa Adebawore was one of those outliers, as he ran a 4.49 40-yard dash at 282. That’s just ridiculous. Perhaps more importantly, Adebawore’s Relative Athletic Score (RAS) — which the Bears put weight on — was the highest among all defensive linemen and edge players at the NFL Combine. This is a three-technique who could — and should — be in play for the Bears on Day 2.

Second round, No. 53 overall (via BAL) – OT Cody Mauch, North Dakota State (6-4 7/8, 302)

Cody Mauch continues to check boxes, following up a strong Senior Bowl with a good Combine. Mauch has a chance to be a good offensive tackle, but could be even better as a dominant guard. Either way, this is good value for one of my favorite prospects in the second round. 

Third round, No. 64 overall – TE Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion (6-7, 255)

Another NFL Combine winner, Kuntz posted the highest RAS score among tight ends, despite being 6-7. The former Penn State tight end is an exciting prospect, but his tape is inconsistent and he’s relatively inexperienced with only 15 starts, which is why I don’t think he’ll go earlier than this.

Third round, No. 65 overall (via HOU) – WR Tank Dell, Houston(5-8 3/8, 165)

Dell is a smaller receiver, but has outstanding quickness and route running ability. Once you get the ball in his hands, he’s dangerous because he can stop on a dime and redirect. The 4.49 40-time was slightly disappointing, but Dell’s game is not about straight-line speed. The quickness is there. And he’s also a dangerous punt returner, which the Bears need.

Fourth round, No. 103 – LB Marte Mapu, Sacramento State (6-2 5/8, 217)

One of the biggest Combine snubs looked great at the Senior Bowl in January. Mapu is somewhat of a tweener between safety and linebacker, but he showed impressive instincts and coverage ability in Mobile. He hunts the football and projects as a WILL linebacker in my opinion.

Fourth round, No. 133 (from PHI) – CB Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville (5-10, 181)

Clark is a fast, quick slot corner who is a willing tackler in the run game. At minimum, the Bears could use depth at the position. 

Fifth round, No. 137 – QB Jaren Hall, BYU (6-0 1/8, 210)

Hall is an older, mature QB who could be an ideal backup to Justin Fields. He can move in and outside the pocket and showed surprising touch on some throws over the middle at the Senior Bowl. 

Fifth round, No. 149 (via BAL) – RB Jordan Mims, Fresno State (6-0, 205)

Mims was a player I circled watching the East-West Shrine Game. He’s a great receiver out of the backfield, is built well with good contact balance, but still has wiggle in the open field. 

Seventh round, No. 219 – OT Earl Bostick Jr., Kansas (6-6, 309)

While the tape is very inconsistent, Bostick posted the second best RAS score among OTs. In the seventh round, it’s OK to bet on traits. Bostick will need to add more strength to his lower half, but is an interesting developmental option.

For more analysis, make sure you check out the video edition of Bears Mock Draft 2.0, as well as our CHGO Bears Offseason Database, which is available to all CHGO Diehards. 

Seventh round, No. 258 – EDGE Jose Ramirez, Eastern Michigan (6-2, 242)

Ramirez caught my eye in the East-West Game with impressive speed and bend around the edge. The broadcast showed that he got up to 11 miles per hour in just three seconds with a quick get-off. He projects as a 4-3 defensive end and delivered impressive production the last two seasons with 31.5 tackles for loss and 18.5 sacks.