Mocking the Mocks: Bears go OL and CB in this latest from The Draft Network

The recent mock draft from The Draft Network’s Joe Marino has seven receivers going in the first round with no more coming off the board when the Chicago Bears pick at 43rd overall. So with as talented as this crop of wide receivers is, don’t be surprised if the Bears either trade back with a team looking to get a receiver, or take one they have highly rated that falls into their laps with their first pick.

With the recent releases of starting wide out Taylor Gabriel and starting cornerback Prince Amukamara, the free agency and draft needs for the Bears need to be tweaked a bit. They’ll surely address as many needs as possible in free agency, then stick to their best player available policy in the NFL Draft, so anything within reason is possible in the second round.

Here’s how Marino has the Bears picking in the second round.

43. Matt Hennessy, IOL, Temple

50. Cameron Dantzler, CB, Mississippi State

The Bears did meet with Hennessy (6’4”, 302), Temple's starting center the last three years, at the Senior Bowl, and while in Mobile he impressed the scouts in attendance. But I’m not sure he impressed enough to climb all the way up to the 43rd overall pick however. He could likely learn to move over to guard, but with their first pick of the draft I’d rather the Bears get a player with a more stable floor. Our draft analyst, EJ Snyder, said he would be “displeased” with this selection.

I’m more on board with the Dantzler pick as he could compete for the starting job opposite Kyle Fuller from day one. At 6’2” he has good length for the position, but at just 185 pounds he could use some time in a professional strength and conditioning program. Playing in the SEC he saw top talent each week and Mississippi State moved him around their defense to match up with certain receivers.

Expecting a rookie to be able to step in and fill a need isn’t a prudent way to build a roster, but depending on how the draft falls it’s possible the Bears could be getting two starters when they pick in the second round.

Take a peek at Marino’s mock and let us know if those are the picks you would make if the real draft went that way?