If you missed it, I recently covered possible trade packages that the Chicago Bears could make should Ryan Pace decide it necessary — even if that decision is not the right one. All of these trade packages were specifically if the Chicago Bears and Ryan Pace wanted to select a quarterback in the first round. Now, as promised, I am going to discuss players that do not play quarterback but are still worth moving up for in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Before we get into the details, it should be known that not all of the prospects worth trading up for play a position that is considered a “need” for the Chicago Bears. If we look at what positions the Bears need, quarterback, offensive tackle, cornerback, wide receiver and safety are key. There are a few players who are worth trading up for, but not worth it for the Bears.
Linebacker Micah Parsons quickly comes to mind. With Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan, he’s not worth moving up for in this draft. That said, some of the players not mentioned (and the ones being discussed) are all projected to be game-changers, and missing out on them could be a very damaging mistake.
Every NFL Draft comes with risks. Whenever a team makes a trade, whether it be up or down in a draft, risks coincide. Even staying put has risks if a team feels like they can land a player or two and yet both are taken before they are able to land him. I think this for sure happened with the Chicago Bears in the 2014 NFL Draft when Aaron Donald went one pick before the Bears pick to the St. Louis Rams. The Bears can’t be too upset though as they selected Kyle Fuller.
Unfortunately, Fuller is now with the Denver Broncos as a cap casualty this offseason. As great as Fuller has been for this team, having Donald on the defensive line would have been 100 times better. Donald is one of the most elite defensive players in the NFL and has been for the last seven years. As you can see, many things can happen in an NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears and fans sure wish they traded up for Donald in 2014 I am sure.
Should the opportunity present itself, the Chicago Bears need to consider moving up (depending on how many picks and draft capital is required) for one of these players that do not play quarterback. None of them are projected to fall to 20th-overall.