Team-specific seven-round NFL mock drafts are all the rage these days. They’re way easier with all the simulators out there, accounting for analysis, trends, value and team needs. That’s especially true in later rounds.

RELATED CONTENT

• How Jaquan Brisker return, injury history impact Bears’ plans at safety
• NFL mock draft 2025: Mason Graham, Shemar Stewart linked to Bears at No. 10 overall
• Bair Mail: On NFL Draft trades, wild card Ben Johnson, Tyler Warren and Bears safety conundrum
• NFL rumors: T.J. Edwards, Bears agree to two-year, $20M contract extension

Once you get deep into Day 3, it’s anyone’s guess who might be available. I did more than a few simulations in my second attempt at a second-round pick and tried to go in a different direction than last time.

The Bears did so well in trades and NFL free agency that their draft motives are tough to predict. I’m sure that’s exactly the way they want it. I was happy with the last seven-round mock, which featured Will Campbell at No. 10 and two massive defensive linemen at Nos. 39 and 41. And taking Cam Skattebo was a big hit at No. 72. That wasn’t in the cards this time, with some shifting winds among the running backs.

I was happy with this version, which starts with an edge rusher I consider a quality fit for new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s scheme and hits a bunch of needs.

Let’s get to this week’s selections right now, with a shout-out to Dane Brugler’s “The Beast” for tons of great insight:  

No. 10 overall: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

I can hear you already. This is too high for Williams. He isn’t mocked at No. 10 too often.

And I know he didn’t light up the stat sheet in 2024, while dealing with injury. That offers some risk when talking about a top-10 pick. I still believe he warrants heavy consideration.

Williams is built well for Allen’s scheme at 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, and is someone this coaching staff could develop. He’s a tenacious run defender and edge setter, which is required in the system. And he can move around the line, which might be required to maximize the existing talents up front, especially in the sub package. Oh, and he’s a high effort player. The Bears will like that. The thought of Williams and Montez Sweat working off the edge, with Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo inside, on third-and-long could be scary.

The Bears need pass rushers in waves, and Williams would give them that. That’s especially true, considering Gervon Dexter is in the mix as well.

The Bears stacked their offensive front this offseason. Now it’s time to complete the defensive line with a unique skill set that would fit well.

No. 39 overall: RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

Henderson can run a number of different schemes, and he knows when to hit the gas and fly into open space while smartly following his blocking. He possesses real home-run power and is a quality receiver out of the backfield. He’s not a D’Andre Swift clone by any stretch, even though he isn’t the power back currently missing on the roster.

Henderson also is a quality blocker and pass protector, which is essential to playing running back in the NFL. He can work well in a committee, and the Bears do have Roschon Johnson to get tough yards in short-yardage situations.

Henderson could work well with the Bears’ offensive line, featuring smart interior players and athletes on the outside.

No. 41 overall: OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon

The Bears are looking for options at offensive tackle, and Conerly is a good one who could well be gone by this pick. He was available in this simulation, and the Bears are better for it. He has played left tackle, where the Bears need the most help.

He’s good at pass protection — something essential for new coach Ben Johnson — and is athletic enough to get to the second level in the run game. He has good size and arm length for the position, and would present exceptional value at a position of relative need in the second round.

Some development would be required, but the Bears have expertise on staff for that, and could mold Conerly into a quality starter on the left flank.

No. 72 overall: TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon

The Bears add their second Duck on Day 2, with a versatile tight end who could play an important role in Johnson’s scheme. Per The Athletic, the former basketball player has quality athleticism and an ability to create yards after the catch.

Analysts say Ferguson needs some work on his blocking, but he should provide the type of spark the Bears need in frequently used two tight-end sets. He has a nose for first downs and isn’t afraid of contact — all traits the Bears could use — which is why we went with a third offensive player in the first four picks.

No. 148 overall: LB Jack Kiser, Notre Dame

We love finding team captains later in the draft — productive college players who might be lacking elite traits. Kiser might fit that bill, as someone who could help on defense and possibly earn a more prominent role. He was the Irish’s leading tackler last year and a smart player who can help on special teams right away.

This seems like the type of character player and hard worker the Bears want fleshing out their depth chart.

No. 233 overall: WR Da’Quan Felton, Virginia Tech

Felton has excellent size at 6-foot-5 and 214 pounds, with solid speed and an ability to snag passes down the field. This is one of those fliers who could help on special teams — that’s key for late-round picks — and a player who needs to develop his routes.

Felton is an older athlete who has played six seasons of college football, but it’s worth grabbing a talent like this to see how he develops.

No. 240 overall: Safety Sebastian Castro, Iowa

This is another older player who can play safety, in the nickel and a hybrid linebacker/defensive back. And another player who can help on special teams and has the instincts required to play defensive back at the NFL level.

If the Bears can squeeze a solid reserve and someone who can match up well with those others from this draft slot, that’s a win.