Mock'd Offseason (Pre-Combine)

[Xplosive]

I know, I know, I know... Mocks are dumb






CURRENT ROSTER
-------------------

QB - Williams, Bagent, Reed
RB - Swift, Johnson, Wheeler
WR - Moore, Odunze, Scott, Toure, Jackson
TE - Kmet, Everett, Wilson, Murray
OT - Jones, Kiran, Wright, Benedet, Miles
IOL - Bates, Glaser, Stromberg, McFadden

Edge - Sweat, Robinson, Booker, Kromah, Jones Jr
IDL - Dexter, Billings, Walker, Pickens
LB - Edmunds, Edwards, Sewell
CB - Johnson, Stevenson, Gordon, Smith
S - Byard, Brisker, Hicks, Owens, Cook

K - Santos
P - Taylor


Team Needs: DE, OG, C, DT, OT, S, TE, RB, LB
Draft Picks: 10, 39, 41, 72, 149, 235, 242


CUTS
-------------------
Kevin Byard ($7M Saved)
Gerald Everett ($5.5M Saved)
Zacch Pickens ($976k Saved)
Dominique Robinson ($1.1M Saved)
Samori Toure ($1M Saved)


EXTENSIONS
-------------------
Kyler Gordon - 4yr $10M AAV


CAP SPACE (TOTAL)
-------------------
$77.5M


OPTIONAL CUTS/RESTRUCTURES
-------------------
DeMarcus Walker ($5M Cut)
Ryan Bates ($4M Cut)
Tremaine Edmunds (Restructure)
Cole Kmet (Restructure)
Montez Sweat (Restructure)


RE-SIGN
-------------------
Jaylon Jones - $2M
Daniel Hardy - $1M
Josh Blackwell - $3M
Amen Ogbongbemiga - $1M
Jack Sanborn - $3M
Collin Johnson - $1M



FREE AGENCY
-------------------

RG - Trey Smith (Chiefs) - 5yr $21M AAV
6'6" 321 25y/o
2024 PFF GRADE 78.8 OVR - 70.6 PASS - 80.8 RUN
9 PENALTIES - 0 SACKS ALLOWED

Yes the cost is excessive but he has been a leader on his team, very healthy, excellent strength and will solidify the right side of the Oline. A cheaper option in the draft is definitely an option but he is pretty close to a sure thing.





SS - Tre'von Moehrig (Raiders) - 3yr $14M AAV
6'2" 202 25y/o
2024 PFF 67.5 OVR - 87.5 RUN DEFENSE - 70.2 PASS RUSH - 54.4 COVERAGE
73 SOLO TKL - 2 INT - 12 PRESSURES

The Bears gave up the 2nd most rushing yards in the NFL in 2024.
It's not a coincidence that the NFC North teams that are good against the run: Detroit (#2) Minnesota (#6), and Green Bay (#8) all have really good safeties. Tre'von is an excellent run defender and good blitzer. He has been consistently healthy and rarely comes off the field.

Great safety play can take a defense from good to great. So adding Moehrig to either replace Brisker in the future (if he can't stay healthy) or to pair them together and form a devastating secondary that will improve the run and pass defense.





DT - Javon Hargrave (49ers) - 2yr $8M AAV
6'2" 305 32y/o
2023 PFF 74.9 OVR - 86.5 PASS RUSH - 51.4 RUN DEFENSE

This is how you stop the explosive offenses in the modern NFL, relentless pressure in the face of the QB. Hargrave is an elite interior pass rusher, he had a torn triceps in 2024 and will be released for cap relief. So its the perfect time to pick him up at a discounted cost. The Bears can rotate him with Dexter or line them up together to terrorize offenses.





C/OG - Evan Brown (Cardinals) - 3yr $5M AAV
6'3" 320 28y/o
2024 PFF 65.9 OVR - 73.5 PASS - 58.7 RUN
2 PENALTIES - 2 SACKS ALLOWED


Started career as a center and has lots of games started at guard. Previously worked with Ben Johnson in Detroit. Very strong physically (36 repetitions of 225 pounds) and mostly healthy, he could be either a comparable replacement for Teven Jenkins or a day one upgrade over Coleman Shelton.





OT/OG - Jedrick Wills (Browns) - 1yr $3.5M AAV
6'5" 307 25y/o
52.9 OVR - 63.6 Pass - 51.6 Run
7 penalties - 3 sacks allowed


Former #10 Overall pick has been disgruntled bust for Cleveland, also has had knee troubles. Only 25 however and had first round talent. If medicals are cleared he could be a great reclamation project and might benefit from a switch to guard. He could step in for Braxton in the event of injury or help buy some time just in case the Bears are looking for a new LT next season.

...continued

 

[Xplosive]

DRAFT
-------------------
(1 thru 9)

#1 Shedeur Sanders
#2 Cameron Ward
#3 Teairoa McMillan
#4 Abdul Carter
#5 Travis Hunter
#6 Mason Graham
#7 Will Campbell
#8 Will Johnson
#9 Kelvin Banks



#10 Mykel Williams - DE (Georgia)
6' 5" 265 Jr. Age 20
NFL Prospect Grade 6.47
PFF 78.3 OVR
40 GP - 67 Tkl - 21.5 TFL - 14 Sacks - 3 PD - 3 FF

Here is the DE opposite of Montez Sweat, he is only a junior and has been consistently rotated in and out of Georgia's loaded program. He's been comped to Chandler Jones, Greg Rousseau, Aldon Smith etc.. Thats because he has a powerful pass rush as well as being strong against the run. He is flexible and has good anticipation at the snap. He will thrive in Dennis Allen's scheme and the Bears will be a nightmare to play against.



Strengths

Explodes out of stance and into blocks with force.
Range and quickness to spill and chase or close down the backside.
Covers ground quickly with his backside pursuit.
More than 30 percent of his career tackles resulted in a loss.
Quality get-off to attack the high side of the rush.
Uses tethered step-and-swipe move to infiltrate the pocket.
Keeps long arms active for strip sacks and batted passes.
Turns speed into power with a runway from wide alignment.
Good change of direction and closing burst as sack finisher.

Weaknesses

Needs to improve base strength and upper-body power.
Can be stalled by strong hands that cinch him up.
Inconsistent press-and-shed at point of attack.
Pass rush approach is currently underdeveloped.
Rush can become too straight-legged and upright.

#39 Jonah Savaiinaea - OT/OG (Arizona)
6'5" 336
NFL Prospect Grade 6.15
PFF OVR 75.9 - 82.7 Pass - 64.2 Run

Has played both RT and LT primarily over the last two years, he will be a monster on the inside and provides injury insurance at RT if needed. The Bears should put massive protection in front of Caleb so that he can do what he does best.

Strengths
Dense frame with excellent thickness through limbs.
Patient with hands but fires them with timing and accuracy.
Uses posture and core to control rushers once he’s locked in.
Space-eating frame will be tough to beat quickly inside.
Able to shove angle blocks around with upper-body strength.
Does a nice job of finding and fitting up second-level targets.

Weaknesses
Has trouble sitting heavy and anchoring against bull-rushers.
Below-average recognition and response to twists.
Doesn’t bend and slide well enough to protect his inside edge.
Lacks leverage and hand placement as a drive blocker.
Falls off of base blocks due to inconsistent body control.

#41 Omarion Hampton - RB (North Carolina)
6'1 220
NFL Prospect Grade 6.33
PFF OVR 88.2
38 GP - 622 Car - 3565 Yds - 36 TD - 2 Fmbls - 73 Rec - 635 RecYds - 4 RecTD

Often comped to Joe Mixon or a speedy David Montgomery, I also see some Matt Forte in his game. He has deceptive speed once in the open field, and he has a knack for finding the endzone with 30 TDs scored in the last two seasons. Swift will be gone in a year and this the RB1 of the future...

Strengths

Big back with an impressive, chiseled physique.
Access to a sudden lateral jump-cut to elude penetration.
Displays adequate burst as an off-tackle runner.
Has the hips and feet to stack downhill moves.
Runs square and drives through tacklers with good contact balance.
Willful with the ability to go get must-have yards with force.
Requires gang tackling to keep an ember from relighting.
Capable option on swing passes and screens.

Weaknesses

One-speed, long-strider runner with limited one-cut ability.
Slow vision to diagnose lane development and change run tracks.
Bangs into blockers and lacks adequate elusiveness.
Too eager to leave his feet and take abuse in the air.
Below-average speed to win wide and turn the corner.

#72 Jeffrey Bassa - LB (Oregon)
6'1 226
NFL Prospect Grade 6.15
PFF 73.2 OVR - 83.9 Tkl - 80.3 Pass Rush - 76.7 Coverage - 27 Total Pressures
55 GP - 236 Tkl (125 Solo) - 13.5 TFL - 4.5 Sack- 3 INT - 7 PD - 2 FF

This is likely the last year of either TJ Edwards or Terrell Edmunds and Bassa could potentially develop into a replacement for either. He will likely be the best coverage backer on the team which is sorely needed considering the Bears gave up the 6th most yards to TE's in 2024.

Scouting Overview
Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa projects as a developmental starter at the NFL level. Bassa is a former safety who converted to linebacker during his freshman season with the program, leaving him with promising continued room for growth as a stack linebacker.

Bassa is a fast, fluid, and dynamic athlete who has appeal as a man or zone coverage defender. His ability to improve attacking blocks and gaps alike in the run game will determine if he reaches his potential ceiling as a pro. In the event his transition does require added time, Bassa sports a notable special teams resume and should be a viable contributor in these phases to support his 53-man roster spot.

Strengths

Good communication to teammates before the snap.
Played inside backer to help get the best players on the field.
Drifts downhill and cuts off runner’s operating room.
Rarely allows blockers to latch on and dictate terms.
Tracks run play with good effort and pursuit speed.
Tackles with good balance and wrap-up technique.
Recognizes duties on passing downs and has man-cover talent.

Weaknesses

Muscular but a little smaller for the interior.
Much more robotic than instinctive in the run game.
Missing the playmaking gene.
Lacks patience and will run past back-side fits.
Not a twitchy, burst-oriented player in space.
Takes inconsistent pathways to perimeter throws as a tackler.

#149 Jake Majors - Center (Texas)
6'3" 315
PFF 72.7 OVR - 85.4 Pass - 0 sacks

Scouting Report: Summary
A technician with a nasty disposition, this pivot possesses the tools to compete for playing time in an NFL offensive line room from day one. His ability to diagnose defenses pre-snap and anchor the interior will appeal to teams running diverse offensive schemes. While size limitations may cap his ceiling, his aggressive mentality and positional acumen should translate well to the pro game.



#204 Bryson Nesbit
6'5" 230
63 OVR - 74.7 Receiving
44 GP - 107 REC - 1510 Yd - 13 TD


“Bryson Nesbit is an alignment-versatile mismatch creator who can overpower smaller safeties and is too quick for linebackers out of the slot.”

Scouting Report: Summary
Bryson Nesbit's college career at North Carolina showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker. His versatility as a WR/TE and his ability to line up as a big slot make him a unique offensive weapon. With strong hands, precise route-running, and the ability to create yards after the catch, Nesbit excelled in creating mismatches



#235 Nazir Stackhouse (Georgia)
6'3" 320
75.2 OVR
59 GP - 96 Tkl (46 Solo) - 9 TFL - 3 Sacks - 1 INT - 3 PD - 1 Blk

Scouting Report: Summary
Stackhouse projects as a valuable early-down run stuffer in the NFL, with the potential to develop into a more well-rounded defensive lineman. His ability to anchor against the run and occupy multiple blockers will be highly valued by teams employing a 3-4 defensive scheme or those looking to improve their run defense.

While his limitations as a pass rusher may keep him off the field in obvious passing situations initially, Stackhouse's power and improving technique suggest he could develop into a more complete player. His fit will be best with teams that prioritize stout-run defense and can utilize his strengths while minimizing his exposure in pass-rushing situations.

Stackhouse's combination of size, strength, and improving production make him an intriguing prospect. While he may not be a flashy pick, his ability to contribute immediately in run defense and potential for growth could see him selected in the middle rounds, with the opportunity to become a solid starter in the right system.



#242 Jamaal Pritchett
5'8 166
33 GP - 17 PuntRet - 250 Yd - 1 PuntTD - 14.7 PuntRet Avg - 150 Rec - 2033 Yd - 17 TD

Overall, Pritchett is a quick-twitch wideout whose ability to create chunk plays will intrigue teams. He may get the label of a gadget player at this stage of his career due to the ways South Alabama utilized his game, but in my evaluation, it’s a credit to the coaching staff for their ability to maximize what was clearly their top offensive playmaker. Moving forward, inside an NFL offense with more talent around him, Pritchett could evolve into a multi-phase contributor offering contributions both on offense and on special teams despite his size limitations.

Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Role Specific Contributor




CAP SPACE (ROOKIES)
-------------------
-$12.3M

CAP SPACE (FINAL)
-------------------
$8M (pending addition cuts/restructures)



FINAL ROSTER
-------------------


Offensive Depth Chart

LT Braxton Jones - Jedrick Wills
LG Jonah Savaiinaea - Ryan Bates
C Evan Brown - Jake Majors - Ricky Stromberg
RG Trey Smith - Matt Pryor
RT Darnell Wright - Kiran Amegadjie

WR DJ Moore - Tyler Scott - Jamaal Pritchet
WR Rome Odunze - C. Johnson
TE Cole Kmet - Bryson Nesbit
RB Omarion Hampton - D'andre Swift - Ian Wheeler - Roschon Johnson
QB Caleb Williams - Tyson Bagent



4-2 Defensive Depth Chart

RDE Mykel Williams - Austin Booker - Daniel Hardy
3T Javon Hargrave - Gervon Dexter
DT Andrew Billings - Nazir Stackhouse
LDE Montez Sweat - Demarcus Walker

WLB TJ Edwards - Jeffery Bassa - Noah Sewell
MLB T. Edmunds - Jack Sanborn - Amen Ogbongbemiga

NCB Kyler Gordon - Josh Blackwell

RCB Tyrique Stevenson - Terrell Smith
FS Jaquan Brisker - Elijah Hicks
SS Tre'von Moehrig - Jonathan Owens
LCB Jaylon Johnson - Jaylon Jones


K Cairo Santos
P Tory Taylor
LS Scott Daly




Worst to First!

 

[maxhatter]

I'm with you on the Tre'von Moehrig signing. Safety is an underrated need for this team. I don't think the Bears can count on Brisker going forward, and both he and Byard would be free agents at the end of the year. Cut Byard now and use the money on a long-term option at the spot.

 

[RiDLer80]

I'm not on board with dumping more big money into the defense--specifically at safety.

That contract would make Moehrig the 8th highest paid safety in AAV. On top of already having highly paid guys on defense in Sweat, Edmunds and Johnson.

Like the draft. I'm coming around on Williams at 10 more and more. I think a premium pick like 10 should be used on a premium position like end.

 

[msadows]

I'm not on board with dumping more big money into the defense--specifically at safety.

That contract would make Moehrig the 8th highest paid safety in AAV. On top of already having highly paid guys on defense in Sweat, Edmunds and Johnson.

Like the draft. I'm coming around on Williams at 10 more and more. I think a premium pick like 10 should be used on a premium position like end.

Byard was one of our better players on defense. Just keep him.

It also makes zero sense to dump walker, you arent finding better production for 5m/yr and he has positional flexibility

Worst case scenario you are playing hicks again. The issue with the defense was all on the DL. We dont need a 14m/yr safety lmfao

 

[dennehy]

I like the emphasis in OL and that is pretty realistic.

Hargrave doesn't provide any cap relief. Even if cut after 6/1 it's a wash. He's being released because of his injury. Relying on a 6th round rookie to play meaningful snaps (Billings is not going to play 60%+) and a big injury risk at 3T is not a good combo.

Brisker is a SS. I think keep Byard, sign a cheap backup and draft S in the 3rd or 5th.

I wouldn't draft an off-ball LB at #72 to be the the #4 LB on the team. Good spot for WR or S.

Pryor is an FA and would need to be re-signed.

Zero chance Jake Majors is available at #149.

The WR group is ass cheeks after the first two. If one of those guys goes down it's the worst group in the league.

I think Bates is cooked, but maybe not.

 

[BaBaBlacksheep]

I'm with you on the Tre'von Moehrig signing. Safety is an underrated need for this team. I don't think the Bears can count on Brisker going forward, and both he and Byard would be free agents at the end of the year. Cut Byard now and use the money on a long-term option at the spot.

I am looking forward to half of Bears fandom blinking out of existence instantly when Poles selects Starks with the 10th pick.

 

[dabears70]

I'm with you on the Tre'von Moehrig signing. Safety is an underrated need for this team. I don't think the Bears can count on Brisker going forward, and both he and Byard would be free agents at the end of the year. Cut Byard now and use the money on a long-term option at the spot.

Safety is only a need for if Brisker gets hurt and is out any extended amount of time, which wouldn't shock me if he did but it's his contract year and some players magically make it through their contract years uninjured. Both Brisker and Byard are free agents after next year so i say keep them this year and draft a S in the middle to late rounds and worry about it next offseason.

 

[Clint Eastwood]

The tape on the Georgia end imo is awful. He looks slow off the ball and seems to just make tackles when the back or qb runs by and he is there because the blocker had him stonewalled. Please find someone more dynamic, or just take more OL at that spot. Or trade down.

 

[Gustavus Adolphus]

Hate it.

 

[playthrough2001]

I like the emphasis in OL and that is pretty realistic.

Hargrave doesn't provide any cap relief. Even if cut after 6/1 it's a wash. He's being released because of his injury. Relying on a 6th round rookie to play meaningful snaps (Billings is not going to play 60%+) and a big injury risk at 3T is not a good combo.

Brisker is a SS. I think keep Byard, sign a cheap backup and draft S in the 3rd or 5th.

I wouldn't draft an off-ball LB at #72 to be the the #4 LB on the team. Good spot for WR or S.

Pryor is an FA and would need to be re-signed.

Zero chance Jake Majors is available at #149.

The WR group is ass cheeks after the first two. If one of those guys goes down it's the worst group in the league.

I think Bates is cooked, but maybe not.

Bates had stem cell therapy and apparently his shoulder feels excellent now. I’m curious to see how this plays out.

 

[DB012031]

The tape on the Georgia end imo is awful. He looks slow off the ball and seems to just make tackles when the back or qb runs by and he is there because the blocker had him stonewalled. Please find someone more dynamic, or just take more OL at that spot. Or trade down.

Thank you, someone finally said it. IMO, he has Vernon Gholston written all over him, winner of the underwear Olympics and "looks" the part but really doesn't deliver on the field at the rate he should be.

Steal of the 1st round will be whomever takes Simmons, LT out of Ohio State (and I hate saying that cause I hate Ohio State). He probably is the first O-linemen taken off the board had he not tore his ACL early in the season. Many though he was better than Campbell out of LSU when the season started.

Also, everyone needs to stop with the using of the first 4 picks for a damn running back. RB is not an issue with this team that needs to be corrected with high end draft capital. Any draft that doesn't have at least 3 linemen taken with the first 3 picks is a failure. Preferably 2 on the offensive side of the ball and 1 on the defensive line.

If the Bears draft well with their first 4 picks, then they can use the remainder of the picks to move up back into the 4th round to take a guy like Donovan Edwards (who will be a better pro than a college player) or Traveyon Henderson (Ohio State). But using one of the first 4 picks on a luxury pick is just insane right now when we can't stop the run nor can we protect the franchicse player

 

[1COBearsfan]

Hard pass to any skill players in the top 100. Make beef block great again!

 

[Les Grossman]

I'm with you on the Tre'von Moehrig signing. Safety is an underrated need for this team. I don't think the Bears can count on Brisker going forward, and both he and Byard would be free agents at the end of the year. Cut Byard now and use the money on a long-term option at the spot.

sooooo you can't count on Brisker going forward, so you wanna cut Byard??? That still leaves you with the Brisker problem... lol

 

[Les Grossman]

Thank you, someone finally said it. IMO, he has Vernon Gholston written all over him, winner of the underwear Olympics and "looks" the part but really doesn't deliver on the field at the rate he should be.

Steal of the 1st round will be whomever takes Simmons, LT out of Ohio State (and I hate saying that cause I hate Ohio State). He probably is the first O-linemen taken off the board had he not tore his ACL early in the season. Many though he was better than Campbell out of LSU when the season started.

Also, everyone needs to stop with the using of the first 4 picks for a damn running back. RB is not an issue with this team that needs to be corrected with high end draft capital. Any draft that doesn't have at least 3 linemen taken with the first 3 picks is a failure. Preferably 2 on the offensive side of the ball and 1 on the defensive line.

If the Bears draft well with their first 4 picks, then they can use the remainder of the picks to move up back into the 4th round to take a guy like Donovan Edwards (who will be a better pro than a college player) or Traveyon Henderson (Ohio State). But using one of the first 4 picks on a luxury pick is just insane right now when we can't stop the run nor can we protect the franchicse player

This. The RB fascination with Bears fans is strange.

 

[greg23]

That's a pretty piss poor group of wr 3-4-5 and no blocking TE

 

[ZOMBIE@CTESPN]

I think this is exactly what’s going to happen on draft day. But in free agency you’re lacking signing a bunch of bums to the oline. Poles loves his dumpster diving oline moves need at least five of them

 

[Xplosive]

sooooo you can't count on Brisker going forward, so you wanna cut Byard??? That still leaves you with the Brisker problem... lol

Byard doesnt deserve to be cut but he'll be gone next season and he's over paid. He also isn't better than Hicks or Owens in run support even if Brisker does get hurt.

Better to cut bait a little early and find a long term solution, that's what Moehrig is.

 

[msadows]

Byard doesnt deserve to be cut but he'll be gone next season and he's over paid. He also isn't better than Hicks or Owens in run support even if Brisker does get hurt.

Better to cut bait a little early and find a long term solution, that's what Moehrig is.

Personally I dont think he's overpaid. Maybe a mill or two, but he brings a vet presence and was still good last year.

Kevin gave up a 91 passer rating against, which is solid/good. In comparison moehrig gave up a 105.8

Not trying to pay a safety 14m when the issue on defense is edge and DT.

The OL moves are much more realistic than most people on here expect tho.

 

[Xplosive]

This. The RB fascination with Bears fans is strange.

If the goal is to make life easier on the 2nd year QB, give him a strong running game that can carry the offense even if the passing game is stalled.

What happens if DJ or Odunze gets hurt, are you hoping Roschon & Swift suddenly become world beaters?