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Who will the Chicago Bears select? Brad Biggs’ NFL mock draft 3.0.

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The top of the NFL draft is more of a mystery than usual this year because no quarterbacks are in consideration for the No. 1 pick.

Only five times in the last 20 years has a non-quarterback been the first selection, and that’s almost certain to happen Thursday night when the Jacksonville Jaguars go on the clock a year after selecting Trevor Lawrence with the top pick.

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Round 1 promises to be interesting from the standpoint that there already has been a ton of movement. Eight teams have two first-round picks after a flurry of trades. With one-fourth of the league holding an extra Day 1 selection and no elite quarterbacks in the class, projecting how things will fall is an intriguing exercise.

The Chicago Bears are in the cluster of teams without a first-round choice. The New York Giants own their selection — No. 7 overall — as part of the trade up to draft quarterback Justin Fields last year.

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First-year general manager Ryan Poles has a lot of flexibility with three Day 2 picks — two in Round 2 and one in Round 3 — and needs at a variety of positions. Wide receiver has been mentioned prominently, and the Bears need to give Fields more skill-position talent to work with. At the beginning of a rebuild, however, Poles might want to start in the trenches.

[ [Don’t miss] Brad Biggs’ NFL mock draft 2.0 ]

[ [Don’t miss] Brad Biggs’ NFL mock draft 1.0 ]

Here’s one way that could go.

Georgia’s Travon Walker celebrates after sacking Missouri quarterback Tyler Macon on Nov. 6, 2021. (HYOSUB SHIN / AJC/AP)

The Jaguars could consider an offensive tackle to upgrade the protection for Trevor Lawrence — and there are some good ones to select from — but left tackle Cam Robinson signed his franchise-tag tender and the Jaguars need help on defense. Walker has the versatility to move around the front.

The Lions could go in almost any direction here. Hutchinson makes sense because he fits the personality of coach Dan Campbell and the Lions have needed an edge presence for some time.

It’s easy to envision new coach Lovie Smith pushing for a defensive player here, but the Texans have needs across the board and having the first pick of a talented group of offensive tackles is a good position to be in.

[ [Don’t miss] When do the Chicago Bears pick? What do the mock drafts say? Everything you need to know about the 2022 NFL draft. ]

Offensive tackle, edge rusher or cornerback all make sense for GM Joe Douglas. The nod goes to the pass rusher as the talent thins out quickly at this position.

Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal sets up against Tennessee on Oct. 23, 2021. (Vasha Hunt/AP)

The Giants need help across the board on defense, but it would be difficult to pass on a long-term option at left tackle.

The list of quarterbacks the Panthers have tried to acquire in the last two years is extensive. The one they did get, Sam Darnold, isn’t a fixture for the future and Willis has a ton of upside coming from a smaller program.

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The Giants have been seeking a trade partner for James Bradberry, and adding Gardner would give them an immediate replacement in the secondary.

Calvin Ridley is suspended for the entire season and Russell Gage departed via free agency. Marcus Mariota needs someone to throw to other than tight end Kyle Pitts.

[ [Don’t miss] Column: David Montgomery is embracing change at Halas Hall. How will the Chicago Bears running back fit the new scheme? ]

The Seahawks can go in any number of directions here, and quarterback and edge rusher stand out. But getting a future left tackle makes sense for GM John Schneider.

Wide receiver Drake London runs a drill during USC’s pro day on April 15, 2022. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)

The Jets went deep in efforts to trade for Tyreek Hill before losing out to the division rival Dolphins, so you have to figure they will get help for quarterback Zach Wilson with one of their top two picks.

The Commanders have used five of their last six first-round picks on defensive players and they have a glaring need at cornerback. They played a ton of nickel last season and getting the top safety would give coach Ron Rivera a lot of flexibility on the back end.

The Vikings have a new regime in place, but for the time being they have been busy bringing many players back. They need help in a few spots, especially cornerback — a recurring theme for the organization.

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After getting an anchor for the offensive line, Smith can stay in the trenches with a pass rusher to fortify the defense.

[ [Sign up now] Get the latest Chicago sports news in your inbox each morning ]

The Ravens suffered a ton of injuries in the secondary last season and GM Eric DeCosta said depth at cornerback is an issue. The good ones go quickly on Day 1.

Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis runs a drill during the NFL scouting combine on March 5, 2022. (Darron Cummings/AP)

GM Howie Roseman made the calculated move of trading one of three first-round picks to the Saints. He’s still in position to outfit his needy defense with immediate help.

The Saints paid a big price to acquire a second pick in Round 1, and the thinking is they want a lineman and a receiver to bolster the offense.

The Chargers were porous on defense last season, so it’s tempting to look at a player on that side of the ball. But adding more protection for Justin Herbert a year after drafting left tackle Rashawn Slater is wise.

The Eagles need another weapon for Jalen Hurts, but the chance to get a three-down linebacker in Lloyd would transform the defense after adding a defensive tackle.

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[ [Don’t miss] As Roquan Smith gets acquainted with a new regime, he ‘absolutely’ wants to stay with the Chicago Bears long term ]

Williams is intriguing because, if healthy, he would have been the first wide receiver to come off the board. With two first-round picks, the Saints can wait for him to return from a reconstructed ACL.

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett performs drills at the school’s pro day on March 21, 2022. (Keith Srakocic/AP)

Once upon a time, Mitch Trubisky was the rookie drafted by a team with a veteran quarterback. This time he will be on the other end of that setup.

Some teams believe Hill has the coverage skills to be a cornerback. The Patriots could draft him here with that thought in mind.

The Packers traditionally have avoided using first-round picks on wide receivers. This year feels different after the Davante Adams bombshell, and Olave would provide a speed threat for Aaron Rodgers.

[ [Don’t miss] The Chicago Bears promised to get help for Justin Fields. So what are the odds of a reunion with WR Chris Olave? ]

Maybe coach Kliff Kingsbury pushes for a wide receiver here to help Kyler Murray, but the Cardinals have a greater need in the secondary.

A defensive lineman would make a lot of sense here. So would a dynamic playmaker with good size after Amari Cooper was dealt away.

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Clemson cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. plays against Pittsburgh on Oct. 23, 2021. (Keith Srakocic/AP)

Contenders in the AFC will need a small army of cornerbacks to defend the best quarterbacks in the league. The Bills supply some help for Tre’Davious White.

The Titans have invested heavily in the secondary the last couple of years and can get a defender with a wide set of skills that appeals to Mike Vrabel.

The Bucs have needs up front on both sides of the ball, but the priority has to be protecting Tom Brady after losing one starting lineman to retirement and another to free agency.

As tempting as it might be to double up on wide receivers for Rodgers, the Packers need an edge rusher or an offensive lineman. Karlaftis can help get after the quarterback.

The Chiefs need to provide a playmaker for Patrick Mahomes, and while Dotson won’t be as dynamic as Tyreek Hill, he can contribute as a rookie.

Penn State defensive end Arnold Ebiketie rushes against Maryland on Nov. 6, 2021. (Julio Cortez/AP)

The Chiefs need more help on defense and would be wise to supplement the pass rush.

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Cincinnati loaded up on offensive linemen in free agency and Linderbaum could be the final piece to the puzzle for improving protection for Joe Burrow.

It’s tempting to forecast Cincinnati quarterback Desmond Ridder here, but adding Walker to the front seven with Hutchinson would really help turn around the Lions defense.

[ [Don’t miss] Chicago Bears Q&A: Is there a position no one is talking about to target in Round 2? Who is playing left tackle to start minicamp? ]

If Lawrence can show growth at quarterback, the Jaguars will be much more competitive with some immediate help for the defense. Cine is a big hitter even if he lacks great range.

The depth chart at wide receiver was barren last season, and Watson is a big target who should provide help quickly.

Minnesota linebacker Boye Mafe runs a drill at the NFL scouting combine on March 5, 2022. (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

The Jets were busy in free agency addressing the secondary. More help is needed for the front seven, and Mafe has a great skill set but will take some time to develop.

The Giants have invested heavily the last couple of years in wide receivers who haven’t flourished. New GM Joe Schoen could address that position or get the top tight end on the board to replace Evan Engram.

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Smith talked this month about the significance of cornerbacks in his defense, and the depth chart needs talent. Elam has the size and length to project well in the Tampa-2 scheme.

[ [Don’t miss] The Arlington Heights Bears? Here’s what to know about the team’s possible move from Chicago’s Soldier Field. ]

With four of the top 38 picks, the Jets have a chance to infuse the roster with young talent. One of those picks needs to be an offensive lineman, and Smith might emerge as a long-term option at left tackle.

The Bears sent defensive coordinator Alan Williams to Houston’s pro day and hosted Hall on a top-30 visit to Halas Hall. Poles tried to make his biggest investment in free agency on a defensive tackle, and Hall has the versatility to be used similarly to how coach Matt Eberflus deployed DeForest Buckner in Indianapolis.

Quarterback Desmond Ridder throws a pass during Cincinnati’s pro day on March 24, 2022. (Aaron Doster/AP)

GM John Schneider had massive success with a third-round pick at quarterback when he chose Russell Wilson. It’s time to find another passer.

Off-field issues have led to speculation that Wyatt could fall out of Round 1. His talent would be worth the investment at this point.

The Matt Ryan deal fell in the lap of the Colts, who have to feel better about what Frank Reich’s offense can produce. Pickens would provide Ryan with an outside receiver who can win on 50-50 balls.

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The Falcons rebuilding project is in the beginning stages where help can be added nearly anywhere. Ojabo is recovering from a torn Achilles; otherwise, he would be a first-round pick.

[ [Sign up] Get our Chicago Bears alerts on your phone, desktop and inbox ]

The Browns offseason has been headlined by the arrival of Deshaun Watson and Amari Cooper. They need some big bodies up front on defense.

Nebraska offensive lineman Cam Jurgens runs a drill during the NFL scouting combine on March 4, 2022. (Darron Cummings/AP)

The Ravens need some younger players to build around on defense, but they also need to invest in their offensive line.

The Vikings need some youth on defense, and pairing Pitre with Harrison Smith on the back end would provide flexibility.

The Commanders have an elite receiver in Terry McLaurin but need more skill-position help. Enter Moore, who can excel in the slot.

The only real addition Poles has made on the offensive line to this point is center Lucas Patrick. Raimann has limited experience at left tackle but possesses the length and strength to play there. If the Bears add Raimann, they could consider moving Larry Borom inside to right guard.

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