Windy City Gridiron
After two all linemen theme mock drafts, today it’s nothing but ball carriers in the mock.
Yesterday, I dropped a couple of theme mock drafts, each alternating between offensive and defensive linemen, to get a feel for some options the Chicago Bears could take at each spot. Today, I ran through an all offensive “skill” position theme mock, because running back is a definite need, tight end seems highly likely, and wide receiver could make sense at some point.
As an FYI, I added quotes around 'skill' because I’m not a big fan of that term to describe the ball carriers, but it’s a universally accepted term for those players and an easy way to convey the premise of this mock.
In case you missed it, former NFL offensive lineman Mark Schlereth had an incredible rant a few years ago about who he believed were the most skilled players on the football field, and no lies were detected.
For this mock, I again alternated positions, starting at ten with the best player available (it was TE) and then the next BPA (it was RB), leaving receiver for the third selection. I then followed the same TE/RB/WR sequence for the next three and concluded with a ball carrier near the top of the draft board.
Here’s how my Pro Football Network simulation fell.
10. Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State - Tight end is starting to feel like the direction the Bears go on Thursday night. I think the top offensive linemen will be off the board, as will the number one defensive tackle and top running back. I also don’t like the value at defensive end at ten. Warren or Michigan’s Colston Loveland would be fun in Ben Johnson’s offense because he knows how to use 12 personnel, marry his run and play action concepts, and scheme players open. Warren’s blocking needs some work, but he’s willing and aggressive which leads me to beleive he can improve.
39. Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina - Hampton has been getting first-round buzz, so I don’t think he falls this far, but the 221-pounder would be a nice fit in Chicago.
41. Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State - A receiver in the second round isn’t likely, but you never know if a highly ranked player on the Bears' board falls to them; the value may be too great to pass up. Noel is a speedster (4.39 forty) with punt and kick return experience.
72. Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green - If the Bears don’t get a tight end at ten, Fannin could be in play here. He didn’t wow at the NFL Combine with his athletic testing, but he had incredible production and has outstanding hands.
148. Damien Martinez, RB, Miami (FL) - We’ve heard a few insiders and analysts speculate the Bears could double-dip at tailback in this class, and Martinez’s tough inside running and good hands out of the backfield will find him a role.
233. Antwane Wells Jr., WR, [**Ole...
