After the blockbuster trade for the No. 1 pick that brought in wide receiver DJ Moore, the Bears have been active in free agency.
Chicago filled the roster gaps with early recruits linebackers TJ Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds and guard Nate Davis. In addition to the star-studded early signings, the Bears added depth on the defensive line, running back, tight end and added a new backup quarterback.
About a month away from the draft, here’s our seven-round draft simulation after the Bears’ latest recruits.
Jeffrey Becker – USA TODAY Sports
Lukas Van Ness is a kid from Chicagoland who can play indoors and outdoors. He has excellent length at 6-foot-5 and is strong against the run and able to handle double teams. He is a very motor player with high potential who could become a star if he develops a pass-rush skill set.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
Another Chicagoland kid, John Michael Schmitz, can play guard or center and is a future NFL starter. He is a smart player who identifies defensive line blitzes and stunts and can hold his own against athletic defensive linemen.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Benton is a perfect technique 3 for the Bears’ new defense. He’s a solid defensive lineman who can split double teams and explode with the snap of his fingers. He will be a great asset to stop the run and the pass.
Vasha Hunt – USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas State cornerback’s skill set is perfect for a zone scheme. He’s a bigger corner at 6-foot-3 and can run, but he can also diagnose both the run and the pass. Plus, he’s a willing tackler and isn’t afraid to show up in support of the run.
Jeremy Brevard – USA TODAY Sports
At 6-foot-4, 291 pounds, Pickens is another big-body defensive lineman with the power to disrupt the line of scrimmage in the running game. His pass rush is limited, but he blocks blockers and will help Chicago’s run defense.
Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Martin played outside and in the slot corner at Illinois, giving the Bears depth at the nickel corner position. Last year for the Illini, he also played deep safety, bolstering his versatility as a defensive back. Martin is a safe tackler with a 4.4 speed and should become a starter.
USA Today Sports
Ekiyor has the skills to be able to play both guard and center. In the running game it is fundamentally solid and plays with an excellent level of pad. In pass protection, he’s athletic and has the footwork to succeed.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Miller adds depth to the Bears defense and could recall head coach Matt Eberflus Matthew Adams. Florida’s undersized linebacker is a high IQ, highly motorized player who’s also strong in pass coverage.
Vasha Hunt – USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia cornerback is the size of the NFL at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, but lacks pro speed (4.6 dashes from 40 yards). However, he has shown an ability to make plays with seven career interceptions and could be a special teams contributor and provide depth at cornerback.
USA Today Sports
Bostick is worth a late flyer. He’s an athletic, smart, rarely penalized offensive lineman with a good build at 6’6 and 315 lbs. As a sixth-year senior, he was incredibly experienced, having played over 50 games for the Jayhawks.