Chicago Makes MASSIVE Trades In This Three-Round Mock Draft

The Chicago Bears will have the number-one pick in the NFL draft for back-to-back seasons; last year was their own pick. This year is from the Panthers due to moving from that first pick overall and adding a haul of valuable picks and a certified star receiver in D.J Moore.

I think Fields has done enough this season that they should continue to build with him, and the value of this pick is technically higher, so I decided to pull the trigger on a massive trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, who desperately need a franchise QB.

The Trade:

Chicago sends #1 to Vegas for Maxx Crosby, the 1.11, the 43rd pick this year and a second-round pick in 2024. Some fans may not think this is enough due to the extra first that the Bryce Young pick, but Crosby is the better player and worth more than D.J Moore.

Suppose you believe in Justin Fields. This is an easy win to continue building a real contender. Since trading for Montez Sweat, the Bears are a formidable defense unit, but pairing him with Crosby makes this team a real threat. They have good linebackers and playmakers in the secondary (I will also add to that unit in the draft).

Maxx Crosby has had a monstrous year and might have the best motor in the NFL; the guy is relentless. With 13.5 sacks, 88 tackles, and two forced fumbles, he is a top 5 pass rusher in this league. He would make Chicago the big bad Bears again; no Quarterback would want to oppose the windy city.

The Raiders will be on the hook for a substantial cap hit for 2023, but if they can get out of the franchise QB business, it would be worth it for them. In the first round last year, they drafted an edge rusher, Tyree Wilson, who has shown some promise.

Round 1 Pick 10: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB Alabama

This is where Chicago can separate themselves to be among the NFL elite defenses and possibly turn into one of the better ones in the history of the game if everything goes right. Crosby and Sweat pressuring signalcallers with Jaylon Johnson and Kool-aid McKinstry, causing them to hesitate a second too long. They would rack up sacks and turnovers.

McKinstry is long, fast, opportunistic, and versatile. He has everything needed to be an elite corner and won't have to be thrown into the fire covering team's second option. He is excellent in zone and man schemes and can play inside and outside the formation. Kool-Aid has the swagger needed to be an elite cornerback and a playmaker when he gets his hands on the ball.

"Manifests as a potent communicator within Saban’s defense, ensuring teammates are positioned accurately for diverse zone-match coverage schemes. Provides added value in the return game, showcasing explosive punt return skills that complement his defensive prowess." NFLDraftBuzz.com

McKinstry shows intangible skill and many uncoachable qualities; what he doesn't do well can be taught by playing with a refined corner in Jaylen Johnson. With this pick, the Bears could have the best three levels of defense in the league with Crosby and Sweat, Edmund and Edwards, Johnson and McKinstry.

Another Trade! Bears Move Out Of The First Round

I will continue the Bears trend, setting themselves up for another stellar draft stock for the future year. The Patriots would send this year's 35th pick and their first next year to Chicago, giving them two firsts and three seconds for 2025. But this draft has already given them Maxx Crosby and Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Jayden Daniels is on the board, and the Patriots went with Harrison Jr with their own pick. Doing both makes sense for them if they want to speed this rebuild up. The Bears would be looking to put a cherry on top of their rebuild with another future first to utilize.

Round 2 Pick 35: Xavier Worthy, WR Texas

I understand that Worthy isn't the same prospect that Marvin Harrison Jr is, but with how well D.J. Moore has played with Fields, adding to the defense makes a lot of sense. Xavier is still an incredibly talented and explosive weapon for this passing game. He can line up all over the field and pairs well with Field's ability to push the ball downfield (no pun intended).

Worthy has game-breaking speed and is a lethal playmaker with the ball in his hands. He would draw soft coverages due to Moore and Kmet, pairing his speed with Fields, which makes it almost impossible to play man coverages against this unit. Doubling D.J Moore would be out of the question. This would slide Darnell Mooney to a fourth option where he can still be dangerous.

"An impressively skilled route runner. Shows excellent discipline and makes sharp cuts. Worthy has reliable hands and despite his size shows the willingness to make catches in traffic over the middle." NFLDraftBuzz.com

He isn't just a speed threat. He is mechanical and shows toughness for a guy with a slighter build. Worthy also adds a weapon in the return game; Bears fans can appreciate that type of skillset returning to the team. He isn't as flashy of a pick as MHJ, but he still can accomplish many of the same goals for this offense.

Round 2 Pick 43: Cooper Beebe, Guard Kansas State

Nate Davis is getting up there in age, and the NFL has squeezed most of the potential out of him; getting his successor is an intelligent play. Cooper Beebe has play snaps at left and right guard and tackle. This makes him an excellent depth piece because of his versatility.

Beebe has excellent hands and immense upper body strength. Once he engages with a defender, it's difficult for them to make progress. He can get to the second level and lay down impactful blocks to open plays up in the run game. He has the agility to protect a mobile QB that extends plays.

"Effective grappling in the phone booth, with the upper-body strength and strong hands to outbattle defenders. Beebe also shows a good understanding of angles when moving out to the second level. At his best mauling in the run game, playing with a nasty demeanor and consistently keeping it going through the whistle." NFLDraftBuzz.com

It's never a bad idea to continue stacking talent in the trenches, and Beebe fits into Chicago's scheme. They can use Cooper as a swing tackle or an injury reserve if they want to keep Davis. The Bears must keep Fields healthy; this pick can help them.

Round 3 Pick 74: Jonathan Brooks, RB Texas

Khalil Herbert is a good back but has a history of injury. Roschon Johnson showed promise in his first season, but Brooks is more explosive than either of these players. Chicago wants a great run game and a fantastic defense to complement a dangerous passing game. Having all three of these backs healthy gives them precisely that.

"He’s a quality receiver with soft hands, and Brooks shows a good feel for catching and transitioning upfield in the screen game. Brooks has the flexible ankles to turn the corner and get around the perimeter when the opportunity presents itself." NFLDraftBuzz.com

Brooks is an asset in the receiving game; they can pass, protect, and function as a workhorse back if their other backs get injured. He gives the Bears another reliable asset in the running game. He cuts up the field and has excellent straight-line speed. If this is the same stuff going into 2024, he can also be a dangerous weapon in the screen game.

End Of Rant

If this happens, the Bears will come away with Maxx Crosby, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Xaiver Worthy, Cooper Beebe, Jonathan Brooks, 2025 first and second, plus whatever else they draft in rounds 4-7. That takes a good team and makes them a threat to win the NFC if Fields is healthy. Not one team would want to face Chicago. It's a ruthless defense and an explosive but balanced offense. They could make a deep run to the playoffs next year.

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