2021 NFL Draft: Bears land offensive lineman in new mock draft
The Chicago Bears are 1-0 after defeating the Detroit Lions, 27-23, in a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
It was a great way to jumpstart a season with undefined expectations. Unlike last year, when the Bears were considered one of the NFC’s top contenders, their regression in 2019 has this team searching for an identity.
Was their 12-4 season in 2018 more indicative of this club’s upside, or was 2019’s 8-8 finish who the Bears really are?
It’s hard to tell, even after Week 1’s victory. There probably are just as many fans looking ahead to next year’s draft class as there are who are saving their money for playoff tickets.
Either way, one thing remains consistent in franchise-building regardless of the success or failures a team enjoys or endures: the NFL Draft.
The NFL draft landscape changes from week to week as teams move up and down the standings. It’s fun — and worthwhile — to keep tabs on which players are on the rise and which ones are falling, and who could potentially be in the Bears’ crosshairs at any given time in the draft process.
According to the latest mock draft from the Draft Wire, Chicago will focus its attention on the offensive line in the first round. In this mock, the Bears pick No. 15 overall and select Tennessee interior offensive lineman, Trey Smith.
“No matter who is throwing passes for the Bears next year, upgrading the offensive line has to be a priority in the offseason,” wrote Luke Easterling. “This may seem a bit early for Smith, but his experience at tackle and the ability to slide inside to guard if needed would make him an ideal fit for Chicago here. He’s a punishing blocker who has been tested against some of the nation’s top pass rushers.”
It’s too soon to say for sure whether offensive line will become Chicago’s biggest draft priority because let’s face it, there’s that pesky issue at quarterback still unsettled.
If Mitch Trubisky doesn’t establish himself as the future of the franchise this season, the Bears will be in the quarterback market in 2021’s first round.
There’s also the potential for Germain Ifedi to earn himself a second contract with the Bears if he plays well this year. His 2020 season didn’t get off to a great start, however, as his 61.6 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked fourth among Chicago’s offensive linemen and 13th overall on offense (out of 17 players with at least five snaps in the game).
