NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears have a non-zero chance of landing a top-5 pick. And if it comes to that, we’ll dive into all sorts of fits when it’s time to do so. But as of now, the Bears are projected to pick in the middle of the first round. So let’s explore some options.
• Christian Darrisaw, Offensive Tackle, Virginia Tech — The Draft Network’s Drae Harris acknowledges the Bears have had big problems in pass protection this season. And in order to fix the problem, Harris sends Darrisaw to Chicago to bolster the offensive line. Darrisaw is a late-riser because of his strong play this season, but is viewed as a “cornerstone tackle” because of his size and strength. OK, where do I sign up?
• Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Tackle, Alabama — The latest Tankathon mock draft has Chicago choosing one of the best offensive linemen on the board. Leatherwood has been one of my favorite lineman prospects going on two years now, so to see him mocked to the Bears is fun. He entered the year having earned preseason All-American honors from the AP, ESPN, and USA Today. Not only is Leatherwood arguably the best left tackle in college football, he has experience at guard, too. Off the field, you might be familiar with Leatherwood because he wrote the script in the powerful preseason message of unity, togetherness, and against racism and police brutality.
Tankathon’s mock also sends Ohio State Chris Olave and USC defensive lineman Marlon Tuipulotu to the Bears. If that’s how the cookie crumbles, sign me up.
• Christian Barmore, Defensive Lineman, Alabama — I’ll fight someone if the Bears pass on DeVonta Smith (Alabama WR), Jalen Mayfield (Michigan OT), Mac Jones (Alabama QB), Rashod Bateman (Minnesota WR), Rondale Moore (Purdue WR), Samuel Cosmi (Texas OT), or Rashawn Slater (Northwestern OT) for the sake of adding a defensive lineman. Let’s be real, passing on clear upgrades on offense to bulk up an already sturdy defense is what got the Bears here in the first place. But that’s what we’ve got with the latest from NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry.
• Trey Lance, Quarterback, North Dakota State — Ryan Wilson (CBS Sports) believes Lance has “just about everything else you look for in an NFL quarterback” save for experience. Lance doesn’t have a ton of game experience, which dings him in the evaluation process. And the lack of experience might certainly be a red flag to many Bears fans. But Lance has eye-popping stats, intriguing game film, a solid frame (6-4, 226 pounds), and loud tools. If Chicago can make fixes elsewhere and allow Lance to use 2021 as a redshirt year, then this makes sense.
• Zach Wilson, Quarterback, BYU — And to round out festivities, I enlisted the help of PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator. It’s a fun tool that is useful for research purposes or to pass time on a rainy day. Projecting the future, PFF gives the Bears the 20th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. And with it, I choose BYU quarterback Zach Wilson. Sure, trading down with the Broncos was intriguing … but I wasn’t passing on Wilson. I followed up by selecting USC guard Alijah Vera-Tucker in Round 2 and Iowa tackle Alaric Jackson in Round 3. Hey, at least someone is showing they’re willingness to improve the offensive line!
As you can see, the Bears have options. And at multiple positions. To be clear, we’re a ways away from fully immersing ourself in mock draft. HOWEVER, it’s never too early to put some quality prospects on our radar.
