Chicago Bears 2023 Mock Draft: Trade and build for the future
Round 7: Ali Gaye, DE, LSU
Typically, pass rushers in the SEC are drafted high because of one breakout game or a long period of success, or even just based on hype. But no matter where they are selected, good pass rushers, regardless of where they are from, tend to find a way to at least make the roster with their work ethic and desire to win.
That’s Ali Gaye in a nutshell. Strong hands and explosive first step stand out when you look at the tape. Also, he has good closing speed that allows him to get through last-minute blocking and bring down the quarterback. Those traits are not coachable, which gives him a leg up. There is a reason Gaye goes in the 7th round.
The issue is that he tends to play tall too often and can’t really set the edge consistently. His balance is also questionable. That doesn’t deny the athleticism that he shows. In terms of speed rush, he’s got enough to manage, but he will need to develop other ways of attacking the quarterback if he’s going to stick around. That said, he’s worth the flier in this part of the draft.
Round 7 via trade (ATL): Hunter Luepke, FB, North Dakota State
A fullback? Yup, and at this point in the draft, you are just looking for guys to put on your team to ensure no one else gets them before you do. Not to mention, in this offense, having a versatile fullback helps. Usually, Hunter Luepke would be an undrafted player, but because of the mock trade, the Bears get a chance to get back on the board in Round 7 and secure his services.
Playing at North Dakota State doesn’t sound too glamorous, but the Bison have been a standard of FCS football and have put players in the NFL. In other words, the boys in Fargo can play, and Luepke has that going for him. Nine rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores thus far showcase versatility, and the Bears need that.
While Luepke isn’t a vicious blocker, he’s not afraid to make contact. He also has to work on getting into space, but that can be coached. Additionally, he will have to work on said blocking to help his quarterback. That said, it’s not uncoachable because Luepke is a guy that is willing to learn, which makes it easy for the Bears to take a flier on this kid and potentially secure him for the long haul and end their draft on a positive note.