Chicago Bears: Trading back in NFL Draft leads to a retooled offense

The 2021 NFL Draft is now less than three weeks away. The Chicago Bears still have plenty of needs and potential upgrades that will be found in the 2021 NFL Draft. It is hard to tell though who the Bears will target in the first round of the draft.

Many suggest the Bears could target a cornerback, but in my opinion, they are fairly set at cornerback. With Jaylon Johnson and Desmond Trufant as starters, that is a solid starting duo. Behind them, they’ll have Artie Burns, Tre Roberson, Kindle Vildor, and Duke Shelley. They still should create more competition, but not in the first round.

I personally believe they will target a wide receiver, offensive tackle, or quarterback in the first round. However, none of us truly know and Ryan Pace has surprised us before.

This mock draft was conducted on Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator. I used this over my commonly used one in NFL Mock Draft Database to get a different ranking and trading system just to get a variety.

I made one trade back with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trading pick 20 for picks 32, 64, and 137.

Chicago Bears Draft: Round 1, Pick No. 32 via TB

As of late, offensive tackle Teven Jenkins has been shooting up draft boards after draft analysts got into his film. He was going in the second and third round of most mock drafts in the middle and end of the season, but he now is finding his way into the end of the first round. He is the sixth-ranked offensive tackle on my NFL Draft Big Board.

Jenkins was a three-year starter at Oklahoma State splitting time at right tackle and left tackle, but projects to be a right tackle at the next level. After earning honorable mention All-Big 12 honors in both his sophomore and junior seasons, he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors despite opting out early to prepare for the NFL Draft.

During his time playing for the Cowboys, one thing really stood out for Jenkins in his film: his run-blocking ability. Jenkins may be the best run-blocking offensive tackle in the NFL Draft. He has everything you want in a run-blocking right tackle. He pairs his size and strength with his mean and nasty attitude to bury opposing defenders. This isn’t to take away from his pass-blocking either as he is a solid pass-blocker with a great ability to mirror his defenders.

Jenkins would be the immediate starter at right tackle for the Bears or he would take over midseason. Germain Ifedi isn’t a bad right tackle, but Jenkins has the experience and NFL readiness to take over immediately. He would be an impact right away and help pave the way for David Montgomery.