clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

NFL Mock Draft 2013: Jonathan Cooper still the pick for Bears

New, 2 comments

Jonathan Cooper remains the popular selection for the Chicago Bears in the first round of SB Nation's latest mock draft.

USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears cleaned house this offseason, making a change at the head coach position for the first time in a long time. Lovie Smith is out, Marc Trestman is in, and the Bears will likely have an entirely new offensive philosophy. Quarterback Jay Cutler will be the focus of the offense, but he'll need some protection.

Chicago had one of the absolute worst offensive lines in the league last season, and Cutler was under siege for the majority of snaps he took under center. Unfortunately for the Bears, Cutler has a tendency to throw the ball away and possibly force them into coverage, resulting in interceptions.

Matthew Fairburn and Dan Kadar of SB Nation collaborated on their latest mock draft, and they have the Bears addressing their need on the offensive line by taking Jonathan Cooper, the guard out of North Carolina:

The Chicago Bears have their left tackle, but they aren't finished upgrading the offensive line. Jonathan Cooper is a worthy first-round talent, despite the lack of positional value for guards. He's every bit the prospect David DeCastro was a year ago and would be a nice value pick for the Bears.

Cooper has been the popular pick for the Bears from the very beginning. He's arguably the top guard in the draft and would immediately come in and secure one of the starting positions for the Bears. Many expected them to pursue one of the top guards in free agency but that didn't happen, making the Cooper pick seem more likely.

More from SB Nation:

NFL mock draft: Finally, some clarity

Rodgers vs. Matthews: Which Packer gets his extension first?

This is how Percy Harvin will help the Seahawks

Elvis Dumervil signs with Ravens

Mile High Report: Doom's day has come and gone

NFL Mock Draft: SB Nation bloggers are on the clock