Do Any Linebackers Fit the Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft?

The 2021 NFL Draft is fast approaching. And it’s a big one for GM Ryan Pace, who enters the final year of the extension he signed in 2018. The same can be said for Head Coach Matt Nagy, the NFL Coach of the Year for his efforts in 2018, who aims to fix an offense that has been spinning its wheels since the start of 2019. Starting today, we’re looking at some of the best prospects at various positions leading up to the Draft in search of fits for the Bears’ needs.

Previous: Quarterback, Offensive Line, Wide receivers, Defensive backs, Tight ends, Running backs

Today: Linebackers

Need: Let’s put it this way: If the Bears were as set at quarterback as they are at linebacker, our outlook on Chicago’s future would be a whole lot sunnier.

Currently on the Roster (2020 PFF Grade):

Roquan Smith (67.2), Danny Trevathan (39.9), Christian Jones (45.7), Josh Woods (38.0), Joel Iyiegbuniwe (78.8)

BN’s Composite Ranking

Ranking prospects is difficult, in part, because no one publication has the same set of fundamentals or preferences. In an attempt to work through that noise, we’re using a composite ranking based on opinions from PFF, ESPN, The Draft Network, and Pro Football Network and adapting them to a points scale. The best of the top-10 prospects gets 10 points, the 10th ranked prospect gets 1, and prospects outside the top-10 get 0. From there, the prospects are ranked by total points.

Here’s how the linebackers stack up (points in parenthesis):

1.   Micah Parsons, Penn State (40)
2.   Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame (35)
3.   Zaven Collins, Tulsa (31)
4.   Jamin Davis, Kentucky (25)
5.   Nick Bolton, Missouri (21)
6.   Jabril Cox, LSU (15)
7.   Pete Werner, Ohio State (14)
7.   Baron Browning, Ohio State (14)
9.   Chazz Surratt, North Carolina (8)
10.   Cameron McGrone, Michigan (7)

Best of the rest: Monty Rice (Georgia), Dylan Moses (Alabama)

Team Fit

The Bears don’t have a need at the top of the depth chart, as Roquan Smith tackles pretty much anything that moves in the middle of the field. Bringing back Christian Jones as a free agent helps bolster the depth that was missing after the team lost Nick Kwiatoski and Kevin Pierre-Louis in free agency the year prior. But Danny Trevathan’s role seems uncertain. The veteran started slowly before finding a groove as the season went on. Considering the margin for error the 2021 Bears have, this defense can’t afford another slow start. So, perhaps Chicago could seek linebacker help late in the draft or possibly with an undrafted free agent. This isn’t a position the team should use premium draft capital on this weekend.

Most Likely to be Available When Bears Are on the Clock:

Because I don’t expect the team to use one of its picks in the first two days on a linebacker, this leaves us looking at Day 3 targets. The Bears have one fifth-round selection (164th) and four (204, 208, 221, 228) in the sixth. Prospects such as Isaiah McDuffie (Boston College) and K.J. Britt (Auburn) fit as late-round possibilities. Perhaps this is where Chicago’s front office unearths its annual local product who gets a shot at making the home-town squad. Maybe Paddy Fisher (Northwestern), Jacob Hansen (Illinois), Kyle Pugh (Northern Illinois), or Blake Gallagher (Northwestern) ends up on the UDFA signing list.

Bears Connections…

Bear Report notes the team visited the Pro Days of Nick Bolton (Missouri), Ernest Jones (South Carolina), and Chazz Surratt (North Carolina).

If I Had to Pick One:

Nick Bolton checks all the boxes you’d want from a linebacker prospect. He plays with an edge, tackles everything, hits hard, shows good football IQ, and shows range in pass coverage. That Bolton has special teams experience and was someone who thrived in that phase of the game is an added bonus. Bolton earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2019 and 2020 and was a second-team All-American as a senior. This type of pedigree figures to land Bolton as a Day 2 prospect. Chicago has other needs elsewhere, but Bolton wouldn’t be a bad addition in Round 3 if it came down to it.

(Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)

written by

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Dan Campbell is Happy To See Justin Fields Leave the NFC North

There was no escaping the mixed emotions from Chicago Bears fans when the Justin Fields trade went down earlier this month. But there were none of that from Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell. Heck, I'd argue there was just...

Another Pass Rusher Signs Elsewhere: Jadeveon Clowney Lands With the Panthers

Another day. Another pass rusher signing. And another defensive lineman going to a team that isn't the Chicago Bears. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport was the first with the news of Jadeveon Clowney signing with the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, ESPN's...

Malik Nabers Might’ve Run His Way Out of the Chicago Bears Draft Spot

Today was LSU's Pro Day and Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was scheduled to be in attendance, per The Athletic's Adam Jahns. Assuming Poles made his flight, he got a good look at the likes of quarterback Jayden Daniels, as...

Goodell on Bears Stadium Deal, No to Hard Knocks? More Old Friends Go to Steelers, and Other Bears Bullets

I keep forgetting that I have a Starbucks gift card from Christmas that has gone unused to this point. Maybe I'll remember it next time I go out for coffee. A big shout out to PFF Brad, who made the...

Ryan Poles Was Pissed Off By RGIII’s Comments About Caleb Williams Situation

When I saw them pop up, RGIII's comments suggesting Caleb Williams pull an Eli Manning and refuse to play for the Chicago Bears were met with an eye-roll, audible groan, and immediate dismissal before moving onto more pertinent topics. But...

Bears Stadium Update: Kevin Warren Reiterates Plans to Build in Downtown Chicago

It sure is starting to sound like Arlington Heights fumbled the bag when it comes to locking in Arlington Park as the future home of a Chicago Bears stadium. While meeting with the media at the NFL owners meetings in...

The NFL is Playing a Christmas Day Doubleheader in 2024

Christmastime is generally full of cheer. And in 2024, it will be full of cheering. In fact, we're talking double the cheer. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports the league will play not one, but *TWO* Christmas Day games. It's...

2024 NFL Mock Draft: How High Can J.J. McCarthy’s Stock Rise?

Hard to believe we're less than a month away from the 1st Round of the 2024 NFL Draft! With just weeks remaining until the NFL's most noteworthy offseason event, there are plenty of rumors floating. As we work through all...

NFL Rules Shakeup, Tomlin on Fields, Trubisky’s Linsanity Run, and Other Bears Bullets

The Bachelor's season-finale had a couple of jaw-dropping moments. Once the group chat catches up, it is going to be lit. What better way to start Bears Bullets than with breakfast anecdotes? I think I'm going to enjoy D'Andre Swift's...

Around the NFL: New Kickoff Rules Explained, NFL Trade Deadline Extended, More

NFL owners ratified a sweeping overhaul of the kickoff play on Tuesday, embracing a format inspired by the XFL following three days of deliberations at the league’s yearly gathering. Essentially, the new format relocates the bulk of both kicking and return teams...

Latest News

Los Angeles Chargers Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Los Angeles Chargers enter the offseason with a new era dawning. After a disappointing season, they landed a marquee hire in Jim Harbaugh, fresh off his national championship win with Michigan. Hailed as the top coaching prospect, Harbaugh brings a...

Cubs vs Rangers: The First Series of the Year!

Cubs vs Rangers — THE REGULAR SEASON IS HERE! Wake up and rejoice. Later tonight, the Cubs will begin their march toward October Baseball against the (reigning World Series champion) Texas Rangers in Arlington. Justin Steele is getting the nod...

Rangers vs. Cubs Probable Starting Pitchers – March 28

The Texas Rangers (0-0) and the Chicago Cubs (0-0) square off on Thursday at Globe Life Field for Opening Day. First pitch is at 7:35 PM ET.The Rangers will call on Nathan Eovaldi against the Cubs and Justin Steele.Rangers vs....

Best NBA Prop Bets Today – March 28, 2024

The Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks take the court for one of two exciting matchups on the NBA slate today.Looking for NBA player prop bets for today's games? This article includes NBA player props for every matchup, so take...

UNC vs Alabama Predictions and Odds: March Madness Best Bets

We have a great matchup in the Sweet 16 between (1) North Carolina and (4) Alabama. Let's break down the odds, ATS records, and more for UNC vs Alabama as March Madness continues. Read More: Today's schedule and upset picks...

Seattle Seahawks Offseason Preview: 2024 Free Agents and Team Needs

The Seattle Seahawks turn the page on a historic era as they enter the 2024 season without Pete Carroll at the helm for the first time since 2010. Carroll's impact on the franchise is undeniable, crafting a period of sustained...

Who Is In The Sweet 16? Updated Bracket, Odds to Win, and More

It has been a great March Madness so far and we have more great matchups in the Sweet 16. Check out what teams are in the Sweet 16, odds, and more as the college basketball season rolls on. Latest March...

Today’s March Madness Schedule: Updated Bracket, TV Channels for Every Game

The Sweet 16 is here as March Madness brings us some great matchups tonight! Check out today's March Madness schedule along with game times, TV channels, and more as the college basketball season's biggest games continue. The Sweet 16 Begins...

2024 MLB Mock Draft: Opening Day Mock Draft Projections

Happy Opening Day! As the new baseball season begins, and hope is present among most fanbases, why not take a look at a new 2024 MLB Mock Draft? Various mock drafts meticulously analyze potential picks, emphasizing the abundance of talent...

WAKE UP, BASEBALL IS BACK

The day has arrived. Opening Day. The most glorious day on the baseball calendar, save for the day of each Chicago Cubs World Series win, of course. See, I get to say things like that on Opening Day. Maybe the...

more bears news