With The First Pick
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Chicago Bears 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mid-April Update

By Jon Dove

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) come off the field during the game against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) and wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) come off the field during the game against the Washington Redskins at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) battles for possession of the ball with Memphis Tigers defensive back Jahmahl Pardner (26) during the third quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 48-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) battles for possession of the ball with Memphis Tigers defensive back Jahmahl Pardner (26) during the third quarter of the game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 48-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

2nd Round (No. 36)- Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss

Chicago is very thin at the tight end position with oft-injured Zach Miller as their lone threat. They could use an explosive athlete capable of attacking the seam. This would help ease the loss of Alshon Jeffery who left via free agency.

Evan Engram is labeled as a tight end, but he’s basically a big-bodied wide receiver. He isn’t someone who’ll consistently open holes for the running game.

However, his speed and ability to stretch the field will create mismatches. The Bears offense lacked that type of playmaker for most of last year. This is especially true for the tight end position where Zach Miller doesn’t necessarily strike fear into a defense.

Engram has seen his overall draft stock rise through the process thanks to his exceptional Combine performance. His numbers in the 40-yard dash backed up the explosiveness everyone saw on tape.

This pick is another spot the Bears could consider a quarterback. The question is what quarterback prospects will still be on the board and whether or not the Bears believe in his talents. A lot of experts seem to believe as many as 4 quarterbacks will be selected in the 1st round.

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