Chicago Bears: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in late January

Round 6: Jordan Akins, TE, UCF (6-3, 250 pounds)

The Chicago Bears used fullback Benny Cunningham quite a bit in 2017. He is a free agent so I don’t think with this new offense they’ll re-sign him. They can get the same and more from drafting Jordan Aikens.

Akins is a versatile tight end. He played some time out of the backfield so if the Bears need him there he can do it. Also, he is a good receiver and route runner. Having as many dependable hands is important as we saw from this team over the past several seasons.

Over the past two seasons, Akins caught 55 passes for 862 yards and six touchdowns. While he played in a fast offense similar to what the Bears intend to run in 2018, He could use his first season to work on his blocking. He is an adequate blocker on the college level but he needs to improve there.

As this is a mock, it is just a snapshot of today and not necessarily of draft night. Akins impressed some scouts during the Senior Bowl practices, catching nearly every throw made his way. Even though Central Florida went undefeated, there are plenty of people who still don’t know who Akins is.

He opened some eyes the past week and the NFL Combine could garner him more attention. As it is, having him and Adam Shaheen as pass catchers gives the Bears a very good combination (along with a blocking Dion Sims) for Trubisky to throw to.