ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. just revealed his latest mock draft — this one is a full two rounds — and he’s basing his mock selections on things he’s heard in his many discussions with NFL executives and coaches. I won’t share the whole thing, but here are his picks for the Chicago Bears. As an FYI, both top tackles, the number one defensive tackle, and the top running back were all off the board when he mocked it this way at ten.
Chicago Bears – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Offseason moves to add interior offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman should buy Caleb Williams more time to throw. Landing Warren would give the second-year quarterback another reliable target. New Bears coach Ben Johnson could line up Warren anywhere, get him the ball and let him roll to first downs after the catch. The versatile tight end had 1,233 receiving yards last season, and 700 of them came once the ball was in his hands.
Chicago got only 512 total yards out of its tight end room in 2024, but the combination of Warren and Cole Kmet could do some damage.
I’ve come around on the idea of a tight end at ten, because that’s just how the board may fall. In this scenario, if a trade back partner can’t be found, then sticking and getting the impactful Warren would be a lot of fun.
Ben Johnson has said he’ll build his offense around Caleb Williams and the talent on the team, and two tight end sets can create a bunch of mismatches.
Chicago Bears (via CAR) – Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Signing Grady Jarrett to join Gervon Dexter Sr. on the interior of the defensive line helps. But he’s also turning 32 years old at the end of this month. In Nolen, the Bears could get another disruptive lineman who can get home on the quarterback. He had 6.5 sacks last season.
This is such a strong defensive line class, so getting one early seems like a no-brainer. The 6’4’’, 296-pound Nolan is an explosive athlete with a high motor who just needs to be refined.
Chicago Bears – TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
One more finishing touch on the Bears’ offense comes with their third pick in the top 41. Chicago struggled to establish the run last season, averaging 4.0 yards per carry (27th) with D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson. Henderson could take some pressure off Caleb Williams by picking up first downs on the ground. He rushed for 42 scores and averaged 6.4 yards per carry over four seasons at Ohio State.
The running back class is also deep, and Henderson’s pass blocking gives him a check over many other backs in this class. He’s a good receiver out of the backfield, so he can play all three downs, and he has breakaway speed (4.43 forty) once he gets clear. Henderson is a good football player and would be another weapon for the offense.
How would you like it if these were the top three picks for the Bears?