Mock Off Season (Caleb Wagon Edition)

[Xplosive]

Let's imagine that Caleb Williams convinces Ryan Poles that he wants to be a Chicago Bear for life and will act like a mature and respectable face of the franchise, therefore Poles decides to move on from JF1....


Off-season Moves:

Cut:

CODY WHITEHAIR, EDDIE JACKSON
{Thank you both for your service, if you want to return for $3M AAV we will bring you back}

Extend:

JAYLON JOHNSON 5Y/$18.5M AAV
{If Jaylon wants any more than that, franchise tag him and move on. This Cover 2 defense doesn't even require elite CB's to function which is one reason it was popular with Lovie Smith in the first place}

Re-sign:

JUSTIN JONES 2Y/$4.5M AAV
{Still young and good locker room presence}

DARNELL MOONEY 1Y/$2M
{Goodwill offer to give him a prove it deal}

MERCEDES LEWIS 1Y/$2M
{Respected veteran that still has value}

D'ONTA FOREMAN 1Y/$2M
{Dependable backup or spot starter)

Sign:

JUSTIN MADUBUIKE DT 4Y/$20M AAV
{Eberflus finally gets the engine to his defense, Poles can't draft another rookie DT after taking two last year that lack the strength and explosiveness needed for the position. Madubuike has that power and speed to collapse the pocket and take this defense to the next level}



TYLER BIADASZ C 5Y/$12.5M AAV
{Dallas is in a bind financially thanks to Dak Prescott's contract, Poles swoops in and steals the 27yo former probowl starter}

Trade:

JUSTIN FIELDS TO THE RAIDERS
Receive - One '24 second rounder, and one conditional '25 second rounder.
{Raiders choose to outbid the Falcons rather than give up the haul it would take to move up from #13. Hearts are broken all around Chicago}


Draft:

1.01 CALEB WILLIAMS QB USC
{6'1 220 4.48*}

DRAFT PROFILE: BIO
Caleb Williams from Gonzaga High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 5-star grade by 247 Sports and was the number one recruit in the entire country. After high school, Williams opted to join Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma.

In 2021 as a freshman Williams started the year backing up Spencer Rattler, but after Rattler was benched in a week 6 game against Texas Williams led the Sooners to an unlikely come-from-behind win - and as a result, was handed the starting job for the rest of the year.

He finished the year throwing for 1912 yards on 212 attempts with a completion percent of 64.2 for an average of 9.0 yards per pass, with 21 TDs, while taking 19 sacks, and an elite QB rating of 118.3. He added 64 runs for a total of 559 yards at an average of 8.7 per run.

After the season Williams followed his coach who left for USC and as a sophomore while playing in 13 games as he put up a record-breaking season passing for an outstanding 4080 yards on 450 attempts with a completion percentage of 66.0 for an average of 9.1 yards per pass, with 37 TDs, while also taking 30 sacks, and putting up a QB rating of 118.6. He also added 90 runs for a total of 614 yards at an average of 6.8 per rush.

In 2023 as a Junior Williams number took a slight dip at USC throwing for 30 TDs 5 Ints and 3647 YDs with a QB rating of 117.4 and also running for fewer yards on with 356.


1.09 JARED VERSE DE FSU
{6'4253 4.72*}

DRAFT PROFILE: BIO
Jared Verse, starting his football days at Central Columbia HS in Berwick, PA, found his collegiate football home at Albany after redshirting in 2019. His first active season in the delayed spring 2020 FCS season was followed by a standout fall, where he secured 14.5 sacks, 21.5 TFLs, and a spot on the first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association.

Next, Verse transferred to Florida State, arriving with a 4-star transfer prospect rating and being regarded as the second-best EDGE in the transfer portal. At the Seminoles, he showed his worth, impressing against opposing offenses and putting up strong numbers in his opening season.

In his 2022 season with the Seminoles, Verse continued to impress, accumulating nine sacks and 17 TFLs in one campaign. His performance earned him first-team All-ACC honors, confirming his standing as a defensive force against top collegiate competition.

Looking to the 2023 NFL Draft, Verse was in the conversation for a likely first-round pick, drawing comparisons with names like Will Anderson Jr. and Tyree Wilson. However, he chose to return to Florida State for another season, aiming for a title and the top EDGE spot in the 2024 draft. Scouts are keeping a watchful eye as Verse continues his journey toward the NFL.


2.44 DEVONTEZ WALKER WR UNC
{6'2 200 4.46*}

DRAFT PROFILE: BIO
Devontez Walker from West Charlotte High School was rated a After high school, Walker opted to join Kent State.

As a sophomore in 2022 he played 12 games and had 58 catches for 921 yards for an average of 15.9 yards per catch, with 11 TDs, and an elite QB rating when targeted of 123.2.

His transfer to North Carolina marked another step up, he played 8 games and hauled in 41 catches for 699 yards for an average of 17.0 yards per catch, with 7 TDs, and QB rating when targeted of 114.4.


3.75 JAVON FOSTER OT MISSOURI
{6'5 319 5.07*}

DRAFT PROFILE: BIO
Javon Foster from West Bloomfield High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Foster opted to join Missouri.

In 2019 as a freshman Foster saw action in just 2 games and played a total of 23 snaps for the Tigers. He allowed no QB hurries, no QB hits, and no sacks while playing at left tackle.

As a sophomore in 2020 he played in 6 games and a total of 188 snaps. He conceded 4 QB hurries, no QB hits, and one sack while playing most of his snaps at right tackle.

In 2021 as a junior Foster saw action in 13 games and totaled 934 snaps. He gave up 14 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and 2 sacks while playing at left tackle.

In 2022 as a senior Foster saw action in 12 games and played a total of 805 snaps for the Tigers. He allowed 9 QB hurries, 2 QB hits, and 4 sacks while playing at left tackle.

In 2023 as a fifth year senior Foster saw action in 12 games and played a total of 831 snaps for the Tigers. He allowed 12 QB hurries, no QB hits, and one sack while playing at left tackle.


4.110 JAHEIM BELL TE/HB FSU
{6'2 239 4.54*}

DRAFT PROFILE: BIO
Jaheim Bell, originally from the University of South Carolina and later at Florida State, showcased his talents notably in his sophomore year with 497 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns from 30 receptions. In 2023, at Florida State, he made an impact with 39 catches for 503 yards for an average of 12.9 yards per catch, 2 TDs, and an excellent QB rating when targeted of 117.7. In pass protection, he gave up 3 pressures and a sack. Bell, recognized for his versatility, was a 3-star recruit and earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2023.



4.122 JAMES WILLIAMS SS MIAMI
{6'5 215 4.50*}

DRAFT PROFILE: BIO
James Williams from American Heritage High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 5-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Williams opted to join Miami (FL) after being heavily recruited.

In 2021 as a freshman Williams saw action in 10 games and played a total of 384 snaps at safety for the Hurricanes. He recorded 29 tackles, 4 assists, while adding 9 stops. In coverage Williams notched up one pass breakup, 2 interceptions, and an elite QB rating when targetted of 50.7. He added 7 total pressures, and no sacks on the season.

As a sophomore in 2022 he played in 11 games and logged 656 snaps for the Hurricanes. He made solid 53 tackles, 15 assists, and had 13 stops. In coverage he totaled 5 pass breakups, one interception, and QB rating when targetted of 105.6.

In 2023 as a junior Williams played in 12 games and contributed on 730 snaps. He chalked up solid 65 tackles, 10 assists, and added 15 stops. In the secondary Williams forced 3 pass breakups, one interception, and gave up QB rating when targetted of 88.0. He also logged 6 total pressures, and no sacks on the year


5.144 ZAK ZINTER OG MICHIGAN
{6'5 322 5.18*}

DRAFT PROFILE: BIO
Zak Zinter from Buckingham Browne & Nichols High School was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. Following high school, Zinter opted to join Michigan.

In 2020 as a freshman Zinter saw action in 5 games and played a total of 214 snaps for the Wolverines. He allowed just 3 QB hurries, 3 QB hits, and no sacks while playing at right guard.

As a sophomore in 2021 he played in 13 games and a total of 733 snaps. He conceded 11 QB hurries, 4 QB hits, and one sack while playing at right guard.

In 2022 as a junior Zinter saw action in 13 games and totaled 835 snaps. He gave up 6 QB hurries, no QB hits, and one sack while playing at right guard.

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SUMMARY:
The defense is now completed to give our defensive coach all the tools necessary to have a top 5 defense. Verse has ridiculous power and speed off the edge opposite of Sweat, Madubuike and Billings shut down inside runs and push the pocket. Brisker moves into Eddie's spot and the rookie Williams at SS is a 6'5 terror to disrupt passing lanes with Edmunds & Edwards.

The offense is infused with a dynamic big play receiver to complement DJ & the new rookie TE is a monster with the ball in his hands as well. We bring in competition for Braxton as well as upgrade the swing tackle.

Caleb is supported with a veteran center so that he won't have to scramble as soon as the ball is snapped like his predecessor. All is well in Chicagoland and we proceed to indeed.... Take the North, and Never Give it Back!

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OFFENSE

QB:
Caleb Williams

WR:
DJ Moore - Devontez Walker
{Darnell Mooney}

RB:
Justin Herbert {Roschon Johnson}

TE:
Cole Kmet, Jaheim Bell

OLine:
LT Braxton Jones - LG Teven Jenkins - C Tyler Biadasz - RG Nate Davis {Zack Zinter} - RT Darnell Wright

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DEFENSE

DB:
CB Jaylon Johnson - Tyrique Stevenson
FS J. Brisker - SS James Williams
NB Kyler Gordon

LB
WILL TJ Edwards, MIKE Terrell Edmunds {SAM Sanborn/Sewell}

DLine
LDE Jared Verse {D. Walker}, DT Justin Madubuike {Pickens}, NT Andrew Billings {G. Dexter}, RDE Montez Sweat {Justin Jones}

Edit* profiles are from nfldraftbuzz

 

[Aesopian]

I wouldn't hate it but I'd feel bad for Williams an often injured offensive line and only one decent weapon to throw the ball it to and Bears fans wonder why he probably doesn't want to come here.

 

[HearshotKDS]

Nice work! Justin Jones might be overkill here although he provides good depth in case of injury. Feel like Bears still need a rotational vet DE here though. And a punter. Also feel like if Bears are going to go DE at 9 trading down to 13-15 spot gets you a day 2 pick and settling for whichever one of the big 3 DEs are left might be best way to go, but ofc we have no diea if those teams are willing to trade up!

 

[Xplosive]

I wouldn't hate it but I'd feel bad for Williams an often injured offensive line and only one decent weapon to throw the ball it to and Bears fans wonder why he probably doesn't want to come here.

Feel bad for Williams?? I added a starter and upgraded depth to the OLine. I also gave him a stud rookie WR & new athletic TE for Waldron to implement.

What's not to like?

 

[Xplosive]

Nice work! Justin Jones might be overkill here although he provides good depth in case of injury. Feel like Bears still need a rotational vet DE here though. And a punter. Also feel like if Bears are going to go DE at 9 trading down to 13-15 spot gets you a day 2 pick and settling for whichever one of the big 3 DEs are left might be best way to go, but ofc we have no diea if those teams are willing to trade up!

Thanks for the response, I like Jones's attitude and how he fit in the locker room. He also took off once Sweat got on the team.

This is a weak draft for pass rushers, so even though Verse is older than I like, he looks like a young Danielle Hunter based on his tape. I think he is the best DE coming out so why pass him up? Don't forget we have DeMarcus Walker as a Veteran DE and can only keep so many on the roster.

 

[Nelly]

Madubuike = Yes! I fully expect Poles to make a splash signing like this and it's justified.

That's dirt cheap for Mooney. If he'll come back on that deal then sure. I don't need Foreman though when i've already got Herbert/Johnson/Homer under contract. I don't need Justin Jones either with Madubuike on board while grooming Dexter/Pickens behind Billings/Madubuike.

Biadasz = Fine. There's other good centers available too. Williams would be the best possible bang for your buck provided he can come back from injury but i like getting a good vet center in FA. IMO, it's critical.

Looks like you locked in on the big-ticket FAs rather than getting down to the hole-fillers. I think Poles needs to sign another competent edge player, a safety opposite Brisker, depth on the O-line and another capable pass catcher. Interesting names there could be Tyler Boyd, Curtis Samuel, Kendrick Bourne and Josh Reynolds (among others). There's guys like Marquise Brown and Tee Higgins of course but we don't need to go that big.

Considering that, I would earmark the #9 pick for a WR but then pivot to edge if Odunze and Nabers are gone at that pick. If you're going to draft Williams then IMO you've got to give him another elite weapon to support him. If you can grab Odunze there then you could look at spending the 2nd rounder from LV on a higher-upside edge guy because you've got Walker and a free agent: you don't need your second rounder pick to come in and dominate on day 1.

I like the investment in the trenches in the draft though for sure, and getting another weapon for Williams in Bell.

 

[HearshotKDS]

This is a weak draft for pass rushers, so even though Verse is older than I like, he looks like a young Danielle Hunter based on his tape. I think he is the best DE coming out so why pass him up? Don't forget we have DeMarcus Walker as a Veteran DE and can only keep so many on the roster.

I like Verse a lot as well, I think Turner and Latu (assuming medical checks out) all have their own itneresting pros and cons and would be happy with any of the 3 - but personally would take an extra pick from trading down and taking whoever is left of those 3 versus taking my pick of the litter at 9.

DE4 played 35% of D snaps for Bears last year, I think they need to make sure DomRob is not the DE4. Vet min journeymen like Derek Barnett, Tyquan Lewis, Kyle Van Noy or even Marcus Davenport are all projected to get 1-2 deals for $3-5M a year - big upgrades over Robinson and probably outright affordable in your mock as is. I think if Bears spend big on DT (and Madu is a good one) they need a draft pick and a vet min guy at DE otherwise D is playing 10 v 11 when #90 is on the field.

 

[Xplosive]

DE4 played 35% of D snaps for Bears last year, I think they need to make sure DomRob is not the DE4. Vet min journeymen like Derek Barnett, Tyquan Lewis, Kyle Van Noy or even Marcus Davenport are all projected to get 1-2 deals for $3-5M a year - big upgrades over Robinson and probably outright affordable in your mock as is. I think if Bears spend big on DT (and Madu is a good one) they need a draft pick and a vet min guy at DE otherwise D is playing 10 v 11 when #90 is on the field.

I don't object to another DE, but they also have Rasheem Green on the team and he actually was out playing DomRob. Hopefully an Undrafted Free Agent or two can surprise and knock DomRob off the roster but I get the feeling that Poles will give his draft picks every possible chance to stick

 

[truthbedamned]

The perfect draft.

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

Zak Zinter is a great idea. He's probably a third rounder or higher type guy if he didn't have the injury.

Beyond that, he's probably a locker room leader.

 

[msadows]

Mooney wont come back for that shit.

He'd rather play for the chiefs for vet minimum than come back here for 2m

 

[HearshotKDS]

I don't object to another DE, but they also have Rasheem Green on the team and he actually was out playing DomRob. Hopefully an Undrafted Free Agent or two can surprise and knock DomRob off the roster but I get the feeling that Poles will give his draft picks every possible chance to stick

Rasheem signed a 1 year he is not a Bear right now.

 

[modo]

Justin Jones is going to get more than that