New mock draft has Bears adding safety, tight end in 2nd round

In a new mock draft from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, the Bears address needs on defense and offense with their two second round picks.

The Bears have several positions they need to address this offseason, and the NFL Draft would be a good place to land some young talent at two important positions.

Chicago is once again without a first-round pick (which was sent to the Raiders in the Khalil Mack trade.) But they do have a pair of second round selections in the top-150, and general manager Ryan Pace needs to make them count.

In The Athletic‘s newest three-round mock draft, Dane Brugler has the Bears addressing needs on defense and offense with their two second round picks.

With the 43rd overall pick, Brugler has Chicago taking Lenoir-Rhyne safety Kyle Dugger. With Ha Ha Clinton-Dix likely lost to free agency, the Bears need to find a safety to line up opposite Eddie Jackson, which certainly adds defensive back near the top of Chicago’s offseason needs.

Then, with the 50th selection, Brugler has the Bears drafting Notre Dame tight Cole Kmet. Kmet is widely considered the best tight end in the draft, and Chicago will likely have their pick of tight ends in the second round should Pace choose to take one that early.

The Bears currently have seven draft picks, and they’re projected to add a fourth-round compensatory selection to the list. With no shortage of needs on this roster — from offensive line to edge rusher to tight end to defensive back — the Bears should be able to add some effective pieces to this roster.

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Safety Vonn Bell could be perfect fit for Bears in free agency

The Bears aren’t expected to re-sign Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and need to fill the void at safety. Vonn Bell could be that guy in free agency.

The Bears are expected to lose Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to free agency, which means they’ll be looking to fill a hole at safety opposite former All-Pro Eddie Jackson.

Chicago will likely turn to free agency or the NFL Draft to fill the void at safety. And NFL.com believes Vonn Bell would be the perfect fit for the Bears.

The Bears have very little cap room to work with, and it’s unlikely they’ll be able to do much of anything at their current position. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is in search of a big payday in free agency, meaning Chicago will need to address the position in some form. Without cutting someone to create space, this isn’t likely to happen, but Bell might sign at a lower number, at least.

The Bears signed Clinton-Dix to a one-year prove-it deal, and he definitely proved that he’s worthy of a long-term deal following a solid 2019 season. Only thing is that’s not likely to come in Chicago, as the Bears are already in a crunch with their salary cap situation. Which means the Bears need to turn elsewhere for help at safety.

Bell had a breakout season with the Saints in 2019, where he posted career highs in total tackles, pass breakups and fumble recoveries. He also notched his first interception and defensive touchdown of his career. Bell has a nose for the ball, which would serve well opposite ballhawk Eddie Jackson.

Not only would Bell come at a cheaper price than re-signing Clinton-Dix, but Bell plays strong safety, which would allow Jackson to move back to free safety where he thrived in his first two seasons.

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