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Mock Draft from League Intel Lands Bears Consolation Pick They Need

A longtime draft analyst puts out a mock draft based on sourced info from agents, coaches, and personnel people, and the Bears land a catch ... with a catch.
Gene Chamberlain|
The 25th pick in the draft could be an immediate impact player for the Bears, says one mock draft reportedly based on intel.
The 25th pick in the draft could be an immediate impact player for the Bears, says one mock draft reportedly based on intel. | Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

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Chicago Bears

The Bears' need for a safety starter at this point must take priority because it is a gaping hole in their starting lineup.

While a need is obvious for more pass rush help off the edge, and their run-stopping ability at defensive tackle looks no better than last year's debacle, they at least have players manning those D-line positions.

There is no second starting safety unless they plan on using backup Elijah Hicks or free agent slot cornerback acquisition Cam Lewis there. At 183 pounds, Lewis is unlikely to hold up to the demands of being an interchangeable safety as Dennis Allen's scheme requires.

Nevertheless, the Bears plan to run this draft according to best available player and not need said GM Ryan Poles at the owners meetings.

In the case of a new mock draft out by The Athletic's longtime draft expert Bruce Feldman, they can benefit even if they don't get their first-round safety starter.

Feldman, who annually does his famed "Freaks List" based on the current draft crop, has done a mock draft based entirely on "draft intel" from coaches, scouts, and agents. His pick for the Bears at No. 25 is truly something they need, although maybe not as much as another starting safety.

The No. 25 pick for the Bears is Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor, who can scare off plenty of teams despite high pass rush productivity because he turns 25 this week.

It's already known Poles has an appreciation for the Miami edge. Poles referred to Mesidor as a "really cool player," during his interview with NFL draft analyst Todd McShay at the combine as he spoke about players who are almost 25 years old.

“I think they’re probably closer to their ceiling,” Poles said of the old prospects. “The factor is, who’s developing them and what system are they in? But, I think of a guy like Mesidor, a little bit on the older end, and you see this really cool player, and these guys have more refined plans going into the game.

"So, again, I think they’re closer to the ceiling, so the projection isn’t as great, but you kind of know what you’re going to get a little bit more.”

Mesidor put it best at the combine when he joked: “You can call me a seasoned rookie,” at the NFL combine.

The Bears couldn't get a safety in Round 1 because the final one of the top three, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, goes at No. 19. They couldn't get the top Miami edge, Rueben Bain, but got someone else.

“Because Bain’s such a beast, people tend to overlook what a monster this guy is,” an ACC coach told Feldman about Mesidor. “He’s really violent with his hands and can really bend too. And he’s got a really good motor. He won’t stay blocked and he just keeps coming.”

A nearly ideal Bears fit

Mesidor would, indeed, be an ideal Bears pick even if he isn't a safety. He fits in with his size at 6-3, 265, but more than that has been a stout run defender. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has a scheme stressing run defense on the edge for his defensive ends.

Mesidor ranked third in the country out of 852 edge players last season at stopping the run, according to Pro Football Focus. They had Mesidor 13th of 852 in pass rush and third overall at his position.

To get a player so highly rated, who had nine sacks, 55 pressures and three forced fumbles per PFF last season, would be a major coup. If this pick really is based on intel from NFL peopleand there's no reason to think otherwise based on Feldman's reputation--then the Bears would be getting a proven player.

They also would be getting one who fell to them, so this makes the pick seem somewhat unrealistic. As of April 1, PFF and NFL Mock Draft Database had Mesidor ranked at his highest since the draft evaluation process began, PFF at 16th overall and the database at 20th.

It would be a steal in this regard.

The only problem then would be a second contract, a real issue when he's about to turn 30.

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Gene Chamberlain
GENE CHAMBERLAIN

Gene Chamberlain has covered the Chicago Bears full time as a beat writer since 1994 and prior to this on a part-time basis for 10 years. He covered the Bears as a beat writer for Suburban Chicago Newspapers, the Daily Southtown, Copley News Service and has been a contributor for the Daily Herald, the Associated Press, Bear Report, CBS Sports.com and The Sporting News. He also has worked a prep sports writer for Tribune Newspapers and Sun-Times newspapers.

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