Chicago Bears address offensive tackle early in 2021 mock draft

Chicago Bears Seven-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft

This season has been a rollercoaster for most of the 2020 season not only in the NFL but for the Chicago Bears as well. In reality, this season has felt like three separate seasons in one for the Bears as they went 5-1, lost six straight, and now won three straight to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The only constant for this season has been the Bears’ needs in the NFL draft. Offensive tackle has been an evident weak point of the offense for the Bears and they need to address that this offseason. Additionally, wide receiver could become a need if Allen Robinson does not return. Finally, the Bears still need a quarterback because although Mitchell Trubisky may be the short-term answer, it is unlikely he is the long-term answer.

This mock draft addresses what I believe are the Bears’ biggest needs. This mock draft was conducted via NFL Mock Draft Database using their Mock Draft Simulator. I did all seven rounds with all the normal settings. In this, they had the Bears projected 20th overall pick.

Round 1, Pick No. 20

This draft has a plethora of offensive tackles to choose from in the first round. There are around eight offensive tackles that could potentially get drafted in the first round. It is hard to gauge who the Bears will have the highest, but I believe of that was available, Alex Leatherwood is the best guy to grab.

Pros:

Ideal size to be a left tackle at the next level at 6′ 6″, 315 pounds. Versatile player who can play both tackle and guard. Great technique not only in the run game but also in pass protection. Plays smooth and quick and beats edge rushers to the edge to get to his blocks. Aggressive and strong in the run game. Athletic and can get to the second level of blocks with ease. Very polished prospect with a great combination of size, speed, and strength.

Cons:

Aggression is a double-edged sword as he gets over-aggressive sometimes. Causes him to lose his technique and become sloppy. Needs to work better on his punches in pass protection and keeping his weight back not too far forward.

Team Fit:

The Bears should be cutting Charles Leno after June 1st to save themselves some cap space. If they get Leatherwood, that would make Leno expendable and Leatherwood would be ready to start at left tackle day one. Being drafted in the first round, expect him to be the starter for a long time and hopefully be the left tackle of the future.