The Chicago Bears really don’t have a lot of options when the NFL Draft opens later this month.

The team entered the offseason with as many asset-acquiring resources as any team we’ve ever seen. They filled some holes, but still are among the worst teams in the entire league when it comes to the offensive and defensive lines. Specifically, their offensive line, which features a gaping hole at offensive tackle and several question marks.

With that, I used the Pro Football Focus Mock Draft Simulator to help get a somewhat unpredictable look at the draft and I used five of the first six picks on linemen.

11. Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia

The Bears have put themselves in a position where they basically have to take an offensive tackle with their first pick. They can’t rely on getting a starter in the second round and going into the season with Larry Borom competing with Alex Leatherwood would be nothing short of malpractice. The good news is I was able to move back a couple of spots, exchanging the ninth, 64th and 103rd picks for the 11th, 41st and 72nd. All three of the consensus top offensive tackles were still available at 11 and I went with Jones because I like his fit with the Bears better.

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What I like about Lance Zierlein’s pre-draft work at NFL.com is the breadth of it. He writes detailed assessments of hundreds of prospects, and those assessments become essential sources for football writers over the next month. While I remain unconvinced the Bears will succumb to need and select an OT with the ninth pick in the draft, Zierlein’s analysis makes it clear there will be very good options available should they go that route.

Peter Skoronski, Northwestern

• Sets out with explosive kick-slide into his diagonal sets.
• Uses proactive hands to attack first.
• Excellent footwork and hand usage to counter and collect twists.
• Arches back and unlocks hips to access his rush anchor.
• Comes off the snap with low pads and explosive lift into contact.
• Races out of stance and into position for reach-block success.
• Base stays wide and balanced throughout the rep.
• Clear understanding of positioning and angles at the point of attack.
• Textbook leg drive on double teams and kick-out blocks.
• Washes down run defenders looking to shoot gaps.

Weaknesses

• Throws punch a tick late and from outside angles.
• Needs to alter his pass sets and hand attacks to become less predictable.
• Beaten by long-arm rush moves and driven into the pocket.
• Average adjustments to second-level movements.
• Can be beaten by side-stepping defender at point of attack.

Broderick Jones, Georgia

Comp: Andrew Thomas

Overview

Ultra-athletic tackle prospect with the size, length and potential to develop into a plus starter on the left side. Jones’ frame and technique both are in the developmental phase. His entry into block fits can be a little disjointed. He needs to improve his punch accuracy and timing to make the most of his length in pass protection. Jones is very talented at working into space and landing a block to help spring the running game. He has the nimble feet to mirror or recover against the rush. Jones isn’t a finished product, but the physical and athletic gifts allow for a projection as a good, long-time starter.

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