The Chicago Bears have several roster needs to address on offense and defense heading into the NFL Draft later this month.
The Bears are once again without a first-round selection because of the Khalil Mack trade. But they do have two second-round picks, and with several roster needs, general manager Ryan Pace needs to make the most of them.
In Draft Wire’s new post-free agency mock draft, Luke Easterling has the Bears addressing both offense and defense by landing a tight end and cornerback in the second round.
With the 43rd overall pick, Easterling has Chicago selecting Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet. Considering tight end remains a need for the Bears, it’s not a surprise that tight end continues to be linked to Chicago in the second round. It’s likely, if the Bears decide to take a tight end that early, that they’ll have their pick of tight ends.
Kmet is arguably the best tight end in the draft, and you’d figure he’d fit in well in Matt Nagy’s offense. The Bears need a tight end that can thrive in this system, and Kmet could very well be that guy.
Then with the 50th overall pick, Easterling has the Bears landing Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette. With a starting cornerback spot up for grabs with Prince Amukamara’s departure, there will be plenty of competition in the secondary. Kevin Toliver and newcomers Tre Roberson and Artie Burns will jockey for the position that might also include a rookie contender.
Arnette is an instinctive and versatile cornerback that could complement Kyle Fuller in the secondary. Although he’ll have to compete with Roberson, Toliver and Burns for the spot.
Chicago has seven draft picks, after they traded their fourth-round compensatory pick for quarterback Nick Foles. Two of the Bears’ picks come in the second round at No. 43 and No. 50 overall. They also have one pick in the fifth round, as well as two selections both in the sixth and seventh rounds.
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