Chicago Bears Mock Draft 3.0: Ryan Poles goes B1G with first two picks

With just 16 days remaining until the first day of the NFL Draft, we’re overdue for another Bears Mock Draft. This time, let’s hope Bears GM Ryan Poles doesn’t trade the first-round pick just hours after this publishes (hey, at least we nailed the trade back to No. 9 in Bears Mock Draft 2.0).

But before we dive into the mock, make sure you are signed up as a CHGO Diehard to receive access to our ever-evolving CHGO Bears Offseason Database. It’s our internal database that we are using to prepare for our draft coverage and all of our Diehards now have access to it as we constantly update it. 

We also want to see you at our big draft parties at Joe’s Bar on Weed St. on the first two nights of the NFL Draft. We’ll be doing our live shows from the bar and breaking down every big move the Bears make. It should be a lot of fun. 

Buy tickets now!

OK, let’s jump into Bears Mock Draft 3.0:

First round, No. 9 overall (via CAR) – DE Lukas Van Ness, Iowa (6-5, 272)

Lukas Van Ness is a big, long defensive end that is an ideal fit in the Bears’ 4-3 defense. As important as the three-technique is, the Bears are also in desperate need of a defensive end that can consistently pressure the quarterback. Van Ness has a powerful bull rush that shows up all over his tape and is already a dominant player against the run. His pass rush moves just need a little seasoning and the sky’s the limit. He also has the ability to kick inside in sub-packages.

Second round, No. 53 overall – C Joe Tippman, Wisconsin (6-6, 317)

Our top interior offensive lineman on the CHGO Bears Big Board, Joe Tippman is a massive center that would be a great fit in the Bears’ outside zone run scheme. He moves extremely well, getting to the second-level with ease, and can pull with no problem. Tippman is a much better athlete than Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz, which gives him versatility to potentially play guard if necessary. 

Second round, No. 61 overall – RB Tyjae Spears, Tulane (5-9 5/8, 204)

A second-round running back from Tulane? Spears is built differently than former Bear Matt Forte, but he might have similar quick success in the NFL. Spears is a thick, quick running back who easily runs through arm tackles. He was one of the more electric players at the Senior Bowl and had an outstanding bowl game against USC. He’s a really fun player to watch and one of my favorite prospects in the draft.

Third round, No. 64 overall – OT Matthew Bergeron, Syracuse (6-4 7/8, 318)

A Canadian whose first language is French, Bergeron is one of the more interesting prospects in the draft. He was a durable four-year starter at Syracuse who played both left and right tackle. He has good eyes in pass protection, processing and passing off stunts with ease. His arms are on the shorter end, but still check the boxes. Bergeron is just a solid player who would be a good pick in the third round.

Fourth round, No. 103 overall – CB Tre’Vius Tomlinson, TCU (5-7 5/8, 178)

If the name looks familiar, it’s because “Tre” is the nephew of former NFL running back (and TCU great) LaDainian Tomlinson. Twitchy, but very small, Tomlinson is a fun cornerback who constantly makes plays downhill. That makes him an intriguing fit in the Bears’ zone-based scheme.

Fourth round, No. 133 overall – DI Jalen Redmond, Oklahoma (6-2 3/8, 291)

I’m going to go ahead and bet on the traits here. Redmond is an extremely athletic defensive tackle whose tape was underwhelming at times. He also comes with health/injury questions and is 24 years old. But Redmond has the tools to be a good run-stuffing one-technique or project at three-technique who can emerge as a weapon if his pass rush is improved. 

Fifth round, No. 136 overall – S Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame (6-0 3/8, 202)

The former Northwestern All-American is a great zone coverage safety with elite ball tracking ability in center field. That led to 10 career interceptions in college, the best of which came against Justin Fields in the 2020 Big Ten Championship Game. Joseph also has extensive special teams experience. 

Fifth round, No. 148 overall – OG McClendon Curtis, Chattanooga (6-5 3/4, 331)

Curtis is an intriguing developmental option if he falls to the later rounds. He has top-end length for a tackle, let alone a guard. His big, strong hands overpowered lesser competition, but his weaknesses in technique showed up against better opponents. Curtis has traits to work with though and is a project worth looking at. 

Seventh round, No. 218 overall – LB SirVocea Dennis, Pitt (6-0 1/2, 226)

Dennis is a fun linebacker with a fun name who can cover and make plays on the ball. He showed off his instincts with a great interception in Senior Bowl practice and should at least be a productive special teamer.

Seventh round, No. 258 overall – WR Jalen Wayne, South Alabama (6-1 5/8, 210)

The cousin of former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, Jalen Wayne has the size that many receivers in this class lack, but he’s going to have to prove he can gain separation at the next level. Still, Wayne’s production at South Alabama was impressive and he has the ability to run after the catch. His extensive special teams experience could allow him to stick on the 53-man roster as a rookie. 

That’s where things stand with 16 days to go until the NFL Draft. If you missed it, we’ve been breaking down our top 5 prospects at every position on The CHGO Bears Podcast. And make sure you come out to our NFL Draft party at Joe’s Bar on Weed St. on April 27 and 28!