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

Chicago Bears mock draft: Jelani Woods, Tight End, Virginia

In what is possibly the worst-kept secret in the NFL, the Chicago Bears will not keep tight end Jimmy Graham. The move that many people expected last year will happen this year — the Bears will part ways with him.

Graham had a Hall of Fame career and had an effective 2020 season. He completely dipped in 2021, however, receiving just 23 targets all season. He did catch 14 of them for 167 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Now the Bears need added depth at tight end. They just announced that they slapped the exclusive rights on Jesper Horsted so he’ll be back for another year. He did have a nice rapport with quarterback Justin Fields so he may get more opportunities in 2022.

Cole Kmet enters the season as the number one tight end. He’s been progressing, but fans want to see more from him.

That leaves the Bears to draft Jelani Woods out of Virginia. Woods is a tall tight end at 6-foot-7. He weighs 259 pounds so he has plenty of room to build his frame. Once he goes on a professional team’s conditioning program he could turn into a real beast.

Woods would be a sensational red zone target. Fields can just toss it up and let Woods go after it.

Woods is an improving blocker. Once he builds some of his strength, he will be able to be a demonstrably better blocker.

As it is, he can bully defenders running his routes. He towers over them and does a good job of shielding them away from the ball. He doesn’t create a lot of separation but with his height, he doesn’t always need it. Even when he’s covered, he’s open is something you can say about him.

Woods has the temperament you want. He is very competitive and fires people up on the field. This is something sorely lacking from the Chicago Bears. There were too many times that they gave a lackluster effort. Woods will bring excitement to the game.