Mocking the Mocks: Mel Kiper targets offensive firepower for the Bears

In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Chicago Bears addressing the offensive “skill” positions with both of their picks in the second round. While the names have been different, the tight end / wide receiver combo has been a popular one this mock draft season.

Here’s how Kiper mocked it for the Bears.

43. Chicago Bears (from LV)

Cole Kmet, TE, Notre Dame

I’m not sold on Jimmy Graham making an impact this season, and neither Trey Burton nor Adam Shaheen has worked out in Chicago. Kmet is the best tight end in an unspectacular class, but the talent is there for him to be a good blocker and receiver. This pick comes from the Raiders in the Khalil Mack trade, and the Bears still have their own at No. 50.

I’m just not sold on taking a tight end at 43 this year. It’s not that I don’t think Kmet, or Adam Trautman, or Brycen Hopkins aren’t solid prospects, it’s just that I’m not sure there’s value in taking the position with their first pick. I also don’t think the Bears view this position as one of need, as I feel they are counting on Graham and even Burton to give them enough in 2020.

Now with that being said, Kmet has the skill-set to project to the Y spot, and the Bears currently are rolling with Demetrius Harris, J.P. Holtz, and for now at least, Shaheen, so Kmet would definitely get some run as a rookie.

Quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Jacob Eason were still on Kiper’s board when he made this pick, as were defensive backs Damon Arnette and Jeremy Chinn.

50. Chicago Bears

KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State

Whether it’s Nick Foles or Mitchell Trubisky at quarterback in 2020, the Bears need weapons. That’s why I got them a tight end at No. 43, and that’s why I’m going with a wide receiver here. Hamler, who is only 5-foot-9, 178 pounds, is explosive in space and can play in the slot or outside. Though he wasn’t able to work out at the combine because of a hamstring injury, I feel comfortable saying he’s one of the fastest players in the class. His problem last season was drops — he had nine. If he can get that corrected, Chicago will have a really good player on its hands.

I’d be down for getting a speedy wide out in the second round, and Hamler projects to a play-maker and a game-breaker in the NFL.

If Chicago’s QB can get him the ball in space in a position to run after the catch, he’d be an incredible asset.

Wide out Jalen Reagor was still on his board when he took Hamler, as were offensive linemen Ezra Cleveland and Matt Hennessy.

Would you guys be good with these two Kiper picks if the real draft fell this way for the Bears?