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2017 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears Early Seven-Round Mock

By Dan Schmelzer

Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the first quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dan Skipper
Oct 15, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Dan Skipper (70) celebrates with teammates after the game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Ole Miss 34-30. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

The Bears hold two fourth round selections in the 2017 NFL Draft thanks to a trade with the Buffalo Bills in last year’s draft. With their extra pick, the Bears find some nice upside at a major position of need for the team. With Josh Sitton, Kyle Long and Cody Whitehair leading the way, the Bears have a strong interior offensive line. That being said, their offensive tackle situation is ugly.

Left tackle Charles Leno shows flashes, but he has been far too inconsistent. Also, right tackle Bobby Massie simply is not getting the job done at all. The Bears could certainly make offensive tackle a priority before this, but this team has so many holes that they will not be able to fix them all.

The Bears find an interesting offensive tackle prospect with their late fourth-round selection in Arkansas’ Dan Skipper. Standing 6-10, 330 pounds, Skipper is a mountain of a man who can physically dominate his opponents.

He is not the quickest or most nimble offensive lineman, but Skipper is an absolute powerhouse up front. Skipper does a great job of using his natural leverage and strength in the run game and his length allows him to perform well in pass protection. That being said, his lack of athleticism does show up at times against a speed rush. Also, his footwork tends to be sloppy.

Skipper is far from a perfect prospect, but he is an extremely interesting one. He does not really have left tackle upside, but he could come in and compete with Massie for the Bears right tackle job right away.

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