Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: December Update
By Jon Dove
4th Round: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington
This season has been a complete disaster at the wide receiver position. The injury to Kevin White was the most painful as it stunted his development and brings question about his long-term future. These questions along with the possibility of losing Alshon Jeffery via free agency means the Bears must add some help at the position.
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Cooper Kupp spent most of his time at Eastern Washington working out of the slot, but features the size needed to help on the outside. Kupp is a reliable target who knows how to find the open holes in a defense.
4th Round: Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington
Elijah Qualls is a pure nose tackle who is at his best when eating up space. He does a good job of occupying blockers which allows the linebackers to cleanly flow to the football. Chicago needs some depth behind Eddie Goldman who has had some injury issues.
The concern with adding someone like Qualls is that he’s really only a 2-down player. He lacks the quickness needed to create pressure on the quarterback. Chicago would need to take him off the field in obvious passing situations.
Fortunately, NFL teams are use to making these type of substitutions and often times make major changes on passing downs.