Chicago Bears land quarterback in final 7-round 2020 mock draft

Trade Alert: Bears trade No. 50 to Patriots for No. 87, 100 and 125

This is where I have the first trade of the draft. In this scenario, the Bears use one of their second-round picks to move down. They receive the 87th, 100th and 125th overall picks.

The Bears need to have a plan at tight end. They cut Burton and despite having about 200 tight ends on the roster, the players below Jimmy Graham aren’t worth much. Additionally, being 33 years old, Graham is nearing the end of the line. We could expect maybe one good year of production.

Therefore, the Bears need someone who can eventually step in and be the starter. That player could be Brycen Hopkins.

Hopkins is the reigning Big Ten Tight End of the Year award winner. He is an athletic player who has good quickness. He runs good routes and can create separation getting out of the top of the route.

Once Hopkins gets past coverage, he does a great job of tracking the ball. He also gives the quarterback a big target, helping a great deal in red-zone situations. Also, he does a good job of finding the soft spot in the zone.

Hopkins is a tough player who doesn’t shy away from contact. He measures in at 6-foot-4 and weighs 245 pounds so he goes up the middle and takes big hits. He also uses his big body to be an effective blocker.

The Bears might be very interested in Hopkins. There are reports that they’ve met with him three times.

Keep in mind that a lot of smokescreens come up at this time of year. Front offices like to use misdirection so they have an easy path to get the player they want. Meeting with a prospect three times is different, though. They could meet with him once or twice and that could do the job. Meeting with him three times shows genuine interest, however.

Hopkins could be a good option to spend his first season as a backup, improve and then step in as a starter.