The Chicago Bears would be lucky to draft a replacement left tackle
Christian Darrisaw Ι OT, Virginia Tech
The Chicago Bears should be ecstatic if Christian Darrisaw drops to them at 20th overall. Darrisaw is a projected starting left tackle in the NFL. He has great length and size. He is more mobile than Charles Leno and has better footwork while engaging pass-rushers.
Darrisaw is one of those complete packages who can excel in both the pass and rush game. He would fit in nicely here in Chicago too. If the Bears were to sign a right tackle like Taylor Moton, Darrisaw would easily push for playing time in 2021 behind Leno. Should the Bears look to add a free agent left tackle like Trent Williams, then Darrisaw should be able to step in and start at right tackle until his time comes to move over to the left side.
Jalen Mayfield Ι OT, Michigan
Another possibility for the Chicago Bears could be Jalen Mayfield. I am not sure I’d take Mayfield at 20th overall. Instead, I’d prefer the Bears trade back a few spots and get Mayfield somewhere between 20th and 30th overall. If they cannot find a trade partner and Darrisaw is off the board, then Mayfield would not be an awful selection with the 20th pick.
Mayfield is taller than Darrisaw, but not as mobile. He projects as a starting tackle who can play on either the right or left side. He is young and somewhat inexperienced with only 15 starts at Michigan, but he has proven he belongs in the NFL after taking on top talent in 2019. Mayfield is athletic and has desirable skills and traits teams look for at the tackle position.
Alex Leatherwood Ι OT, Alabama
The only other offensive tackle I would consider in the first round where the Chicago Bears are selecting (or again I’d try moving back) is Alex Leatherwood. I have Leatherwood above Mayfield on my rankings list as of now, but they are relatively close. I like Leatherwood’s athleticism and versatility — something we know Ryan Pace covets in his players.
Some believe Leatherwood makes a better guard prospect than an offensive tackle prospect. I am all-in on Leatherwood playing right tackle to start 2021 though. He fits multiple schemes and has good size and strength. I love his aggressiveness in the run game and find that’s something lacking on the Chicago Bears offensive line since Kyle Long was healthy.