Hoge's Bears Things: One final mock draft before the Chicago Bears' big weekend

Good morning, Bears fans.

Well, we did it.

We made it to NFL Draft week.

And that means it is time for Bears Mock Draft 3.0.

But before we dive into the mock, I want to remind you that all CHGO Diehards receive access to our ever-evolving CHGO Bears Big Board — the Bears 100. It is the internal database we use to guide our live coverage throughout draft weekend and it is updated constantly. Diehards have full access to it, so sign up today and get a great list of benefits including a free t-shirt. (Someone told me we might have some cool new designs dropping soon.)

With that in mind, let’s jump into Bears Mock Draft 3.0, which includes two big trades and three — that’s right, three — first round picks:

First round, No. 1 overall (via CAR)- QB Caleb Williams, USC (6-1 1/8, 214)

No need to be redundant at this point. The No. 1 player on our Bears 100 board will be a Bear.

TRADE No. 1:

Bears receive No. 12 overall, No. 76 overall and 2025 second-round pick.
Broncos receive No. 9 overall and 2025 third round pick.

This trade isn’t possible without the Broncos coveting the fourth quarterback available and the Vikings, Raiders, and maybe a team like the Seahawks, interested too. The trade charts suggest the 2025 pick swap is a little steep on the Broncos’ end, but there’s always a “quarterback tax” associated with trading up for one in the draft. In this scenario, it’s a realistic trade. Perhaps the Bears would have to throw in a late 2025 pick to get it done.

First round, No. 12 overall (via DEN) – EDGE Jared Verse, Florida State (6-3 7/8, 254)

By moving back three spots, the Bears might lose out on a couple of defensive players, such as defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, who I mocked to the Bears in version 2.0 (and I could very well see being the selection Thursday night). But in Jared Verse, the Bears still land a premier edge rusher who is an ideal fit in Matt Eberflus’ defense. His motor runs constantly hot and there’s no question he loves football. Montez Sweat’s presence would take some pressure off Verse and the veteran would be a perfect mentor for the rookie in Year 1. Verse is No. 7 on our Bears 100.

So after landing an edge rusher after a trade, the Bears now hold back-to-back picks in the third round, as well as three second-round picks (including the Panthers’ and Broncos’ picks) in 2025. This draft capital is about to help them make a big move up to help Caleb Williams…

TRADE No. 2:

Bears receive No. 27 overall.
Cardinals receive No. 75 overall, No. 76 overall and a 2025 second-round pick (via Denver).

I foresee a run on wide receivers late in the first round, and there are a couple of teams in the Bills (No. 28) and Chiefs (No. 32) who you might need to leapfrog to get your guy. With the Bears not holding a second-round pick this year, finding a trade partner to move back might be tough, but the Cardinals have another pick just eight spots later at No. 35 overall. They also have a GM in Monti Ossenfort who is no stranger to moving around and acquiring future draft capital. Thus, in this mock draft, the Cardinals are willing to take two third-round picks this year and one of the Bears’ second-round picks next year.

First round, No. 27 overall (via ARI) – WR Xavier Worthy, Texas (5-11 1/4, 165)

After breaking the 40-time record (4.21) at the NFL Combine, Xavier Worthy seems destined to be a Kansas City Chief. But wouldn’t it be something if Ryan Poles could leapfrog his former team and snag the speedster for Williams? Worthy still needs to learn how to use pace and rhythm in his routes to set up defenders, but his speed is deadly enough that he can be schemed into a Bears offense that already includes D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen. He’s also an elite returner, which is an added bonus with the new kickoff rules. Worthy is No. 21 on our Bears 100.

Fourth round, No. 122 overall (via PHI) – Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin (6-4 1/4, 303)

After making three first-round selections, the Bears skip Friday’s activities and settle on their final pick early Saturday. That’s where they address the interior of the offensive line with Wisconsin center Tanor Bortolini, who is No. 75 on our Bears 100, but could still very well be available in the fourth round. Bortolini is a big, athletic interior lineman who played all over Wisconsin’s offensive line, but is probably best suited as a center in the NFL due to his shorter arms. Still, he has enough versatility to play guard if needed. Bortolini embraced making the line calls at the center position, telling CHGO last week that he would sometimes “correct” former Wisconsin center Joe Tippmann, who was drafted No. 43 overall by the Jets last year. 

You can watch the full interview with Bortolini here.

Yes, some things would have to fall the Bears’ way in the top eight for Poles to be able to pull this off, but it’s possible if one of the top quarterbacks is still available at No. 9.

Regardless, it’s certainly fun to think of all the possibilities the Bears have by holding two picks in the top nine of Thursday’s first round. I can’t wait to cover it, and we’ll be doing that live at Joe’s on Weed St. on both Thursday and Friday night. I hope you are able to join us. There are still tickets available Friday night!

See you soon,

Adam Hoge
CHGO Bears guy