Chicago Bears 7-Round mock draft post-Khalil Mack trade

The Chicago Bears pulled off a huge trade, parting ways with former All-Pro pass rusher Khalil Mack. Here is an updated mock draft following the move.

Well, as the time nears for the new NFL league year to begin, we see that Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles isn’t afraid to pull the trigger on an earth-shattering move. He is reportedly trading Khalil Mack, one of the team’s favorite players, to the Los Angeles Chargers.

In return, the Bears receive the Chargers’ 2022 second-round draft pick and their 2023 sixth-round pick. More importantly, they receive big salary cap relief.

While the Bears only receive a $6.15 million cap space increase (and take a $24 million dead money hit), they have a $28.5 million cap savings in 2023 and $26.25 million in 2024. That gives Poles more flexibility when signing free agents. He has more money to spend in future years than he did with Mack.

That means Poles can make a bigger splash with free agents once the new league year begins on March 16th. He can backload some of the deals to spread out the money. That is the main reason for the deal.

The trade changes things a bit for the draft. The Bears have an extra second-round pick, giving them two. That also gives them some flexibility with the picks. Poles can trade one of the second-round picks and move down to acquire more picks.

For this mock, however, we’ll act as if they stayed put. We’ll use the six picks they have now. Additionally, you won’t see an offensive lineman. I know what Poles said about strengthening the offensive line. However, what the line really needs is veteran leadership.

The Bears have two second-year starters on the line who didn’t play a full rookie season. They need a veteran who can lead the line (maybe two). Those guys will come via free agency.

Here now is the latest Chicago Bears mock draft.