Most of the NFL mock drafts floating around have the Chicago Bears addressing the trenches, which is what fans are hoping for come April 24. Chicago needs help on both lines, but their direction in free agency could affect how they stack the top of their board. Assuming they land a couple of new starters on the interior of the offensive line, they could be in a prime position to snag the top defensive lineman on their board with the tenth overall selection.
In the latest mock from form Pro Football Network’s Ben Rolfe, they have Chicago heavily addressing offense on the first two days, but at ten, they go with a 6’5”, 265-pound Bulldog.
10) Chicago Bears: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
The Chicago Bears’ main needs this offseason are in the trenches on both sides of the ball. They need a lot of help along the offensive line, but they also need a partner in crime for Montez Sweat, who can make the most of one-on-one opportunities or can force double teams to give Sweat more freedom.
Mykel Williams fits that description perfectly from the 10th spot. He combines elite size, agility, and power. His athleticism and dynamic play style set him apart, but refining his pass-rush technique and converting pressures into production will be key to unlocking his full potential at the next level.
Sweat had a down year in 2024 with just 5.5 sacks, but that was still the most sacks on the team. Overall, Chicago’s 40 sacks were 16th in the league, so they need more consistent pressure. Williams is an athletic player with good strength at the point of attack, and he fits the profile that new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen likes at the position.
39) Chicago Bears (From CAR): Grey Zabel, OT, North Dakota State
As we discussed earlier, the Bears need offensive line help, and they need it in multiple positions. Grey Zabel could be the ideal selection here, as he can play any of the positions across the line. After an impressive Senior Bowl performance, he is rising up draft boards, and that flexibility will only help teams see him as a valuable early Day 2 pick.
Zabel combines solid size and strength with a high football IQ, allowing him to adapt to different blocking schemes and defensive looks. He is effective in both run and pass blocking, using strong hand placement and leverage to control defenders. The level of competition he has played against in college will raise concerns, but we have seen others succeed in stepping up, especially on the interior of the line.
Zabel (6’5, 316) was a big winner at the Senior Bowl, so I could see him sneaking into the first round due to his versatility. If he’s there at 39, this would be a no-brainer pick, especially if the Bears go defense in the first round.
41) Chicago Bears: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Picking a running back might be seen as a luxury for the Bears, but this is Ben Johnson we are talking about. We have seen how effective the two-back offense was in Detroit, and Omarion Hampton would give Johnson the chance to have a similar style of offense in Chicago.
Hampton is the kind of dual-threat back that Johnson loves, but he also has the power to be a force near the goal line. Hampton’s style is a little more physical than that of D’Andre Swift, so he could be the David Montgomery-style back, with Swift playing more of the Gibbs role. However, it is also worth noting that Swift was traded out of Detroit while Johnson was the offensive coordinator, which makes for an interesting situation.
First off, I don’t see Swift as a viable trade candidate. He was productive in Johnson’s offense, and Hampton would be a good complement to Swift’s skills. Hampton (6’, 220) wants to get downhill, and while he’s decisive — which can be a good thing — he’s also not very creative.
72) Chicago Bears: Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
With most of the value having dried up along the offensive line, the Bears may look to give Caleb Williams another weapon in Xavier Restrepo. He thrives in the slot and over the middle, his versatility and sharp route running make him a rising NFL prospect. Restrepo’s ability to create separation, find holes in coverage, and adapt his routes to break defenses sets him apart.
As a potential replacement for Keenan Allen, who could develop into a full-time starter opposite Rome Odunze, Restrepo is an intriguing pick for the Bears.
Receiver isn’t talked about enough as a need for the Bears, but if Allen leaves, which seems likely, they’ll need a third receiver. Some fans want Tyler Scott to be that guy, but I’m not sure he’ll take that step. Restrepo (5’9”, 200) was very productive for the Hurricanes the last two years (25 games) with 154 receptions, 2,219 yards, and 17 touchdowns.
149) Chicago Bears – Clay Webb, G, Jacksonville State
Webb started his career at Georgia before transferring to Jacksonville State. Although he has mostly played guard, he was a five-star recruit as a center out of high school.
204) Chicago Bears – Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
Robinson saved the best for his sixth and final season with the Cornhuskers. He has experience playing everywhere on the defensive line.
235) Chicago Bears (from CIN) – Tyler Batty, EDGE, BYU
Batty is more edge setter than speed rusher, but he’s another experienced and versatile d-lineman.
242) Chicago Bears (from MIN) – Nickolas Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
Martin was a tackling machine in 2023 for the Cowboys but only played five games in 2024 due to a knee injury.
What are your thoughts on this seven-round mock? Would you like it if the real draft fell this way?