Seven-round NFL mock drafts used to be a royal pain. You’d have to sift through draft guides and try to find talents that matched team needs that might be available around a given selection. That was akin to throwing darts with eyes closed once you reached the later rounds.

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Mock draft simulators have changed all that. Fancy technology has made it so much easier to work these things out and find realistic matches for how a Bears draft might play out.

I was, however, looking for a specific outcome at No. 10. I really wanted Penn State tight end Tyler Warren to be available there, so Ben Johnson could employ a version of Sam LaPorta in the Bears offense. Never happened. Not in several simulations.

With him and Ashton Jeanty gone each time, I went with a smart pick at No. 10 and continued to build depth and versatility along the lines before moving to other needs in the middle rounds.

Love this outcome or hate it, please let me know in the Bair Mail submissions below or @ScottBairNFL on social. I’ve been called an idiot before. Won’t get offended if you do so again.

Well, let’s get to the picks. In my humble opinion, I think the Bears would love it if the draft came out this way:

Round 1 (No. 10 overall)

OL Will Campbell, LSU

The Bears just invested a ton in their offensive line, with trades for Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and the Drew Dalman signing. That shouldn’t stop Chicago from using another platinum asset on the front. Arm length be damned, Campbell’s a good football player who will be a solid pro. Turn on the tape. He’s an animal who rarely gets beat.

He can come in and compete with Braxton Jones to play left tackle in 2025. Even if he loses, Jones is in the last year of his rookie deal and Campbell could be a long-term answer at a premium position. If they believe Campbell’s a better guard, he could take over for Thuney at left guard should the Bears choose to not re-sign him. Campbell gives the Bears options and a real chance to have top talents at all five positions.

Round 2 (No. 39)

EDGE Nic Scourton, Texas A&M

Dennis Allen prefers to have size and power at the defensive end spot. Scourton is all that at 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, with shocking quickness for someone that size. He’s a hard worker and someone who can be developed technically. He could rotate in with Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo as a third end to spell the top guys and help stop the run and pressure the quarterback.

Round 2 (No. 41)

DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

Williams is a massive human at 6-2 and 322 pounds, someone who can impact the Bears run defense in a positive way. He can back up Andrew Billings in 2025 or play next to him in short-yardage situations to make it tough to run up the middle. He could replace him once his contract runs up, adding the type of heft and power at the point of attack to plug gaps and free teammates to make tackles. This move would round out the defensive front and make it difficult to deal with.

Round 3 (No. 72)

RB Cam Skattebo, Arizona State

This effort to find the next “Knuckles” just might work out. Skattebo is a tackle breaker through and though, someone who initiates contact and wears defenses down with physicality. He could pair well with D’Andre Swift, who is better making plays in space. He doesn’t have breakaway NFL speed, but the Bears won’t mind. He has good balance and solid instincts for making the right cuts to gain positive yardage. He’s a better receiver than you might assume, and is someone who could make an instant impact in 2025.

Round 5 (No. 148)

TE Benjamin Yurosek, Georgia

Yurosek is not the second coming of Brock Bowers or an elite receiving tight end. His numbers were down at Georgia, but he showcased his talent well during his time at Stanford.

He’s a workhorse who can supplement a tight end room that needs one more talent and can block well for the run and be a receiving option when required. He can play in-line and in the slot, providing some versatility and injury protection behind Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe. He can also play fullback at the goal line in a pinch.

Round 7 (No. 233)

S Malachi Moore, Alabama

The Bears will be in need of starters and depth at the safety spot moving forward, especially with Jaquan Brisker’s injury history and Kevin Byard III’s contract status. Moore is a solid cover man who can play deep, in the box or in the slot. He’s good making plays on the ball. It also matters that he faced top competition at Alabama and was a team captain the last two seasons. Those are good characteristics for someone who could help right away on special teams while coaches see if he can earn a defensive role.

Round 7 (No. 240)

LB Teddye Buchanan, Cal

The Bears need depth at the linebacker spot, and have the top-end talent in T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds, so this pick could be considered as help on special teams. Buchanan is quick and has an NFL linebacker build. He has closing speed and can cover lots of ground, but still needs development mentally and physically. But, for the 240^th pick, the Bears could find some value here.

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