The Chicago Bears have no shortage of needs on both offense and defense, and without a first-round pick for the second straight year, the pressure is on for general manager Ryan Pace.
Chicago has just two picks in the first four rounds — both coming in the second round — and Pace needs to get the most bang for his buck come next Friday.
While offense remains of utmost concern for the Bears, Pace can’t ignore the needs on the defensive side of the ball, as well. And if this new mock draft has anything to say about it, Pace will target defense early.
In Pro Football Focus’ newest three-round mock draft, the Bears address their needs in the secondary with both of their second-round picks.
With the 43rd overall pick, Michael Renner has the Bears selecting Alabama cornerback Trevon Diggs, a former receiver that uses his instincts to disrupt opposing wideouts.
Diggs is still so raw for the cornerback position and can be a bit of a risk-taker at times. The Bears’ defense is so talented, though, that they can afford to take a chance on playmakers like him. Diggs allowed only 309 yards all last season — although 133 of those came against LSU.
Chicago is searching for Prince Amukamara’s replacement opposite Pro Bowler Kyle Fuller. Kevin Toliver, Tre Roberson and Artie Burns are expected to battle for that starting job, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see general manager Ryan Pace add another horse to the race in Diggs.
Then with the 50th overall selection, Renner has Chicago taking Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who knows a little something about taking the ball away from opposing offenses.
Winfield’s seven interceptions didn’t happen by accident. He’s yet another ballhawk who the Bears add to their secondary. They could target offense in the second round, but returning their defense to its dominant 2018 form is their quickest route to Super Bowl contention.
Following the departure of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, the Bears are searching for his replacement to line-up opposite former All-Pro Eddie Jackson. Jackson is expected to return to free safety, where he made a name for himself and many a turnover.
While Deon Bush, Jordan Lucas and DeAndre Houston-Carson are expected to compete for the starting job, someone like Winfield could certainly outright win the job. And it sounds like it would be a match made in heaven paired with Jackson.
The Bears currently have seven draft picks, but they only have two selections in the first four rounds. The Bears have two second-round picks, as well as one pick in the fifth round and two picks both in the sixth and seventh rounds.
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