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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Free agency provides shakeup

By Brad Weiss

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Mike Williams (7) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Solomon Thomas

DL, Stanford

Another team who we had slated taking a quarterback in recent weeks was the Chicago Bears, but they filled that void this past week. The Bears took a three-year flier on Mike Glennon, one of the more sought-after free agent quarterback of this free agency period. Glennon has shown in the past that he can win football games, and with 30 touchdowns against 18 interceptions in his career, he is a definite upgrade over Jay Cutler at the position.

The Bears did not stop there in trying to revamp their offense, which will be based around star running back Jordan Howard next season. Chicago brought in wide receivers Kendall Wright and Marcus Wheaton, while adding to their tight end position with the acquisition of Dion Sims. While the offense has gotten a nice refresh this offseason, the defense needs some big time help, and Solomon Thomas of Stanford should be the pick at No. 3.

Thomas would give the Bears an incredible player on the defensive line, and one who has shown explosiveness during his time with the Stanford Cardinal. The Bears need a player who is going to get after the quarterback, and at only 21-years old, Thomas could be a player that develops into a Pro Bowler in no time. Chicago has long been known as a team that is built around their defense, and with all the additions on offense, a good draft class could be just what they need to get back to being relevant in the NFC.

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