The Chicago Bears’ 2020 season is over, and now it’s time to look ahead to the first of many 2021 mock drafts.
It’s officially Chicago Bears 2021 mock draft season. The team ended their regular season with a brutal postseason performance, losing to the New Orleans Saints 21-9. There’s a lot of uncertainty this coming offseason for the Bears, as they have many team needs and decisions to make regarding their roster.
A glaring issue on this team is the Bears’ offense. With quarterback Mitch Trubisky likely moving on from the team, the Bears need to prepare for a Nick Foles-led offense.
The team also needs to be ready to see Allen Robinson walk away in free agency. One of the bright spots on the offense, Robinson and the Bears have yet to finalize an extension. His departure likely makes drafting a wide receiver a priority.
Of course, the Bears also have needs on the offensive line. Despite solid production from players like Alex Bars and Sam Mustipher, the team needs to address the line after two years of struggles.
This first mock draft for the Bears prioritizes the offense as a whole, bringing in a lot of solid talent who can immediately contribute to the team in 2021. The team’s first pick will be 20th overall in the first round, and there’s a lot of good options to select. Here’s a look at the first Bears 2021 mock draft from Full Press Coverage (via NFL Mock Draft Database).
Grabbing a top offensive lineman
Round 1, Pick #20: Samuel Cosmi, Offensive Tackle, Texas
Samuel Cosmi was the best lineman available at 20, and can very likely plug in as a day one starter. This will allow the Bears to release either Charles Leno Jr and/or Bobby Massie and save needed cap space. The Bears save $9 million in cap space by cutting Leno and $8 million by cutting Massie.
Cosmi has terrific hands and long arms that give him a major advantage. His lateral agility is solid and he has great balance. He would be a much-needed upgrade to the offensive line.
Addressing both sides of the ball
Round 2, Pick #52: Justyn Ross, Wide Receiver, Clemson
Justyn Ross has all the intangibles to be a true wide receiving threat for the Bears. His body control is great and has NFL-like instincts. Ross did suffer an injury and did not play in 2020, making it more likely that he’ll fall late in the second round. Ross is solid all around and could be a steal at 52 here.
Round 3, Pick #84: Monty Rice, Linebacker, Georgia
The only defensive player taken for the Bears in this draft, Monty Rice can fulfill the need the Bears have at linebacker depth. He’s an explosive player that played great pass coverage for the Bulldogs. The Bears love drafting Georgia prospects too. Rice also has great value as a special teams contributor.
Day 3 talent with lots of potential
Round 5, Pick #148: Tommy Kraemer, Interior Offensive Line, Notre Dame
Tommy Kraemer‘s value here has to do with his Notre Dame connection. The Bears have had success with linemen from that school, and Kraemer has the intangibles to play guard or tackle. He’s a big prospect that can bring needed depth to an offensive line that has seen many injuries the past two years.
Round 6, Pick #180: Sam Ehlinger, Quarterback, Texas
The Bears reunite Cosmi with his starting quarterback. Sam Ehlinger falling to the sixth round would be a steal for Chicago. He was a four-year starter in college and has great mobility and vision. There are concerns with his arm strength and reliability, but he can sit in this offense with no pressure to start, giving him a year to develop.
Round 7, Pick #196: Noah Grey, Tight End, Duke
Noah Grey rounds out this draft class as a developmental talent. He could see some time on the special teams for the Bears, but his route running and strong hands could earn him some time as a backup behind Cole Kmet.
In summary, this draft class fills multiple needs for the Chicago Bears offense, while finding a depth piece on defense. As the offseason continues, expect more mock drafts that involve trades, prioritizing other positions, and overall finding the best players for the Bears in 2021.
