The NFL Draft is less than a month away, if you can believe that. The Bears have been so active this offseason that time has flown, with little down time between their coaching search and the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency. A steady flow of new has consumed most every news cycle, as the Bears continue to reshape themselves under new head coach Ben Johnson.

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The organization was aggressive landing Johnson. They were aggressive in the trade market and importing talent from the open market. Now focus shifts to the draft, where the Bears have plenty of assets to add talent or work out a trade.

It’s a chance to build for the present and future, and the Bears want to be competitive in both eras. I got plenty of reaction to the seven-round mock draft published last week, including what fans want from those selections. Let’s dive into your questions in this Bair Mail installment, where we talk draft and a little free agency now that the dust has settled.

Jaxon from Streamwood, Ill.

Are we gonna draft (Ashton) Jeanty at No. 10? Or are we gonna trade down?

Bair: The Bears are in position to take a skill player at No. 10 overall after significantly upgrading their offensive and defensive lines in trades and free agency. That doesn’t eliminate those areas of need, so the Bears could continue adding pass rushers or an offensive tackle.

They’ve done enough, however, to comfortably take Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty without regret. I’ve done several mock draft simulations lately, and Jeanty never falls to 10. The math above the Bears has changed, especially with the Raiders acquiring Geno Smith. They’re free to take a running back high, as are a few other teams.

I’ve mocked Jeanty to the Bears and think it would be a smart play if he’s available. Why take the No. 3 offensive lineman or pass rusher over the class’ finest running back?

I also think a trade down is a possibility if the board doesn’t fall their way, and they could snag a pass rusher like Mykel Williams or running back Omarion Hampton a little bit lower while picking up additional draft capital. More swings is never a bad thing, especially when top targets are already off the board.

Ernest Moore from Saint Paul, Minn.

Your third-round pick would be my third pick in the draft. Love Cam Skattebo his stiff arm and tenacious run after the 3rd and second tackle remind me of our Walter Payton.

Bair: The Arizona State product is a thumper who impressed many during Arizona State’s postseason run. He seems to fit the “Knuckles” mold of Ben Johnson running backs, someone who will initiate contract and work for tough yards. Not sure if he’ll be around at No. 72, but I think it’s a real possibility. That would be a good spot to get a running back if the Bears look elsewhere in the first two rounds.

There are lots of running backs to like in this draft, including some with more dynamic traits than Skattebo. I think he’ll be a good pro and a solid fit for the Bears should they choose to take him with a Day 2 pick.

Nicholas Bishop from Chicago

What should we make of reports placing Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson at pro days? Does that mean there’s high interest in someone from that school?

Bair: Sometimes yes, but not always. It’s common for top brass to attend pro days for top programs, where you get bang for your buck. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson were spotted at Ohio State’s pro day on Wednesday.

The Bears could prefer a closer look at several top Buckeyes talents, and the same could be said of Poles’ trip to the University of Texas. Seeing a position coach somewhere, as running backs coach Eric Bienemy was also in Austin, surely makes you take a look at that position’s offerings.

One prospect of interest is tackle Josh Simmons, a super talented player who is working through a knee injury. If the Bers like what they see, Simmons could be in play at No. 10 or with a slight trade down.

Overall, though, going to a pro day doesn’t mean the Bears are locked on someone from Texas or Ohio State or wherever else they go. It provides an opportunity to gather information and meet with players in a less formal setting. All those are positives as the Bears try to get a first grasp on who they want to select.

Gary Blascoe from Roscoe, Ill.

Why would you let a hometown kid go? Very steady LB, play a couple of positions, just doesn’t make sense?

Bair: I assume you’re talking about linebacker Jack Sanborn, a strongside linebacker the Bears didn’t tender in restricted free agency. I raised an eyebrow at the decision to let him walk prior to the new league year, after which Sanborn signed with the Dallas Cowboys and former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.

Sanborn filled a role in the base package, often as a run defender. Considering his relative quality, it’s possible the price tag gave the Bears pause. The right of first refusal tender was $3.26 million this year, which would’ve represented a significant raise and maybe more than the Bears were willing to pay. They may have been right to turn it down, considering Sanborn got a one-year deal worth up to $1.5 million.

They obviously feel a linebacker already under contract can fill that void, and the Bears have some options to make up for roughly 235 defensive snaps.

Submit your questions for next week’s Bair Mail right here!! 👇