:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11295967/btbmockdraft.0.jpg)
Our 2013 Community Mock Draft continues! In this annual exercise we put the fates of all 32 teams in the hands of our community. This exercise accomplishes several things. For one, we often have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to the NFL. We will get a glimpse into the needs of each of the franchises. It also helps us get familiar with each of the first-round prospects because like last year in a trade up for Morris Claiborne, you never quite know what the future holds for Dallas.
Every GM has been informed of their team's needs and is ready to roll. Let's see who will be selected with the 20th pick in the draft!
Draft Pick # [20]
Team Name: [Chicago Bears]
GM: [Hook'Em Up]
Selection: (OG) [Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina]
Here's our GM with his explanation of the selection:
Why the pick: Like many other teams in the 2013 Draft, The Chicago Bears were hoping to possibly trade out of the first round. They are strapped with only five draft picks this year and have a long wait between pick number 50 (2nd round) and pick 117 (4thround). However they will likely be unable to find a trading partner, which also works well for the rules of this community mock. The strategy was to go with best player available, opposed to drafting solely for need.
Chicago had 2 players with high first round grades still on the board when Pittsburgh went on the clock at 17 and selected Patterson. It was at this point they rejoiced that they had a shot to get one of those two players in Bjoern Werner or Jonathan Cooper. After Dallas selected Werner and The Giants took Mingo, Chicago realized not only were they getting a player they had a high grade on, but a player who fit a big need for the team as well.
Even though The Bears picked up a guard in free agency, they still need help up the middle. Veteran guard Matt Slauson was signed to a 1 year deal by The Bears. Two players who saw time at tackle last year in Gabe Camiri and James Brown figured to battle Edwin Williams for the other guard spot before Jonathan Cooper fell into there lap. The Bears gave up the 8th most sacks in the 2012 regular season (44). With additions of free agent left tackle Jermon Bushrod, guards Slauson and Cooper, and competition at right tackle, Chicago hopes to improve that tremendously. While this will make Jay Cutler happy, Matt Forte isn't complaining either.
Jonathan Cooper was a standout high school wrestler. This helped him understand leverage, footwork and balance. Paired with his long arms, wide base and quickness, this allows him to anchor, move laterally, and get to the next level quickly. Theses abilities along with his football savvy, should help him overcome his biggest weakness which is overpowering strength. A NFL level strength and conditioning program will make Cooper improve and should turn him into a high caliber guard for The Bears for years to come.
HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS (lower number indicates higher priority) according to Drafttek.com
-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Guard, 43 OLB, 43 MLB
-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): Center, Right Tackle, Feature Receiver, Cornerback
-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): Quarterback, Possession Receiver, Slot Receiver, Tight End, Left Tackle, 43 DT, 43 DE, Fre Safety, Strong Safety
-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): Feature Back, COP Back
NFL.com Draft Grade:
-- Drafttek.com ranked #11 Overall, #1 at the position
-- Russ Lande, National Football Post: #21 Overall, #2 at the position
SUMMARY - Jonathan is one of the top guards in the country and helped lead the way for Gio Bernard the last two seasons to over a 1000 yards rushing. He shows the tenacity and toughness line coaches love out of a player. Athletically he can play every interior position and I wouldn't be surprised if he could play on the edge at OT in a pinch. That versatility will go a long way when moving onto the NFL. He will need to be more consistent with his feet and knee bend, but he shows good at the snap quickness hand usage to really control all types of defenders. Overall, Jonathan Cooper is a worth a first round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He should be able to immediately come in and play as a rookie. He has the athletic skills to continue to improve and could in a few years become a Pro Bowler.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #12 overall, #2 at the position
-- DraftInsider.Net ranked #13 overall, #2 at the position
-- DraftCountdown ranked #11 overall, #2 at the position
-- Scout.com ranked #14 overall, #2 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #2 at the position
-- NFLDraftScout.com profile (Rob Rang):
STRENGTHS: Cooper is a smooth, coordinated athlete with fluid footwork and outstanding balance, blocking well on the move and constantly getting to the second level. He is an extremely effortless mover with explosive quickness in tight quarters, and is just as effective moving to his left or right. While slighter shorter than scouts would prefer, Cooper has long arms and plays with a wide base, anchoring effectively. Standout high school wrestler who understands leverage and blocking angles. Flashes some nastiness and responds well to physical challenges. Has the quickness, balance and football intelligence to handle converting to center, should his future NFL employer need help at this position. His athleticism makes him ideally suited to a zone-blocking scheme. Durable. Four-year starter.
WEAKNESSES: Cooper lacks overpowering strength and can be pushed into the pocket by bigger, stronger defensive tackles when he allows his pad level to rise. Was prone to an occasional slipped block and/or needless penalty earlier in his career, though he showed much more consistency as a senior. Underwent shoulder surgery before his senior season, which will have to be checked out by team doctors.
Now On The Clock: Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Picks: Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel, Jaguars: CB Dee Milliner, Raiders: DE/OLB Jarvis Jones, Eagles: DE/OLB Dion Jordan, Lions: DE Ziggy Ansah, Browns: DE Sharrif Floyd, Cardinals: OT Eric Fisher, Bills: QB Geno Smith, Jets: DT Star Lotulelei, Titans: OG Chance Warmack, Chargers: OT Lane Johnson, Dolphins: CB Xavier Rhodes, Buccaneers: TE Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame, Panthers: DT Sheldon Richardson, Missouri, Saints: S Kenny Vaccaro, Texas, Rams: WR Tavon Austin, West Virginia, Steelers: WR Cordarelle Patterson, Tennessee, Giants: DE Barkevious Mingo, LSU