Chicago Bears Way Too Early 2023 Mock Draft: Phase 2 of the Poles Plan
POTENTIAL MOCK TRADE: Chicago Bears trade 7th round pick (200th overall) to San Francisco 49ers for two 7th (214th and 217th) round picks.
Round 7 via Trade, 214th overall: Eugene Asante, LB, Auburn
This may be a flier move, but given the story of Eugene Asante, it might be worth it. Before he got to UNC and Auburn, Asante was a star running back and linebacker at Westfield High School in Virginia.
From 2015-2018, Asante had a hand in the Bulldogs’ three state championships over his four years in school, all three coming against the same opponent, the Oscar Smith High School Tigers, the alma mater of Hall of Famer Kenny Easley.
Upon arriving in Chapel Hill in 2019 as a highly-touted four-star recruit, Asante played sparingly before being thrust into the spotlight in the Orange Bowl against Texas A&M to replace an opting-out Chazz Surrat.
Though the Tar Heels lost, it was evident that Asante had enough talent to thrive at the highest levels. Eventually, Asante would transfer to Auburn, and looking from a distance; it may be the best move for him. As it pertains to the NFL, he has a leg up on several prospects.
Asante’s brother Larry was a safety in the league from 2010-2015. So, the athletic blood is there. What will appeal to Poles the most is Asante’s ability to run sideline to sideline and think quickly in situations.
A high football IQ as a linebacker is paramount to the system being run by Eberflus. Asante may not start right away, but given his profile, the Bears should not hesitate to take a flier on this kid.
Round 7 via Trade, 217th overall, Tucker Kraft, TE, South Dakota State
In the wide-zone scheme, having an H-Back type of Tight End works very well. A player who can be both a strong blocker and a dynamic playmaker. Guys like Shanon Sharpe, Todd Christensen, and Charlie Sanders.
Sometimes, that’s hard to find. However, the Bears get a bit lucky and head to the middle of the country to grab Tucker Kraft from South Dakota State. A bit of an unknown, but not dismissable.
In 2021, Kraft recorded 65 grabs for over 700 yards and six touchdowns. Moreover, it is his quickness and burst off the line combined with having the affinity to create separation that will give Luke Getsy a thought of potentially taking a flier on this kid before letting him fall through the draft cracks immediately.
Kraft also has shown out in postseason play, recording six catches for 103 yards in the FCS semifinal at Montana State.
His only concern would have to be the level of competition. FCS players don’t automatically jump to NFL stardom, as do FBS players. They aren’t exceptions either. However, in the case of Kraft, his physical makeup and resume should warrant teams taking a closer look. In this case, the Bears.
Ryan Poles has shown that he is willing to open more doors to strengthen the depth of the Bears, and taking Kraft would be a wise choice.