Chicago Bears Draft: Top-five offensive tackle rankings
When I look at the NFL Draft, there are four positions I would be happy with the Chicago Bears taking within the first three rounds — quarterback, offensive tackle, wide receiver and cornerback. Should the team not be able to land a quarterback in the first round, then I am hoping they land Kellen Mond or Davis Mills in the third or later rounds. If not, Jamie Newman in the fifth intrigues me. In this situation, I’d go wide receiver in the first round and offensive tackle in the second unless one particular tackle falls.
Penei Sewell, OT – Oregon
Many analysts have Sewell as the second or third-best prospect in the entire 2021 NFL Draft. He lands as our consensus OT1 in our rankings. Only three people did not have him as the top offensive tackle. Shockingly, one contributor has him as the third-best offensive tackle prospect. Sewell is quick off the line, has great balance and is able to use his weight to attack defenders in the run game or lean back and keep rushers at bay. He will start on day one.
Rashawn Slater, OT – Northwestern
I should have mentioned that some view Penei Sewell as more of a guard than a tackle. The same is now being said about Rashawn Slater. This has to do with the fact both have arm lengths shorter than 33″, which is the minimum coveted length for a left tackle. Slater is very sound technically and has great footwork. If his arm length was slightly longer, he’d probably be more coveted on analysts’ draft boards.
Christian Darrisaw, OT – Virginia Tech
My favorite target for the Chicago Bears if he falls close enough or even all the way down to 20. Darrisaw has plenty of length in his arms at 34.5″. Darrisaw started as soon as his freshman year and never looked back. He will be an NFL plug-and-play starter who should find himself in multiple Pro Bowls.
Teven Jenkins, OT – Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State offensive tackle, Teven Jenkins falls in at number four on our list. He projects as a right tackle in my opinion, but that should not keep him from being drafted early. He is versatile as he has played at three of the five offensive line positions while at Oklahoma State. Jenkins has good hand techniques and a quick punch that allows him to take control off the line.
Liam Eichenberg, OT – Notre Dame
Two Irish offensive linemen make our top-five lists. We already discussed inside lineman Aaron Banks, but his teammate, Liam Eichenberg is nothing to sneeze at either. Eichenberg is 6’6″ and just over 300 pounds. Like Slater and Sewell, Eicheberg’s arms are just a little short with the coveted 33″ mark. He uses his fundamentals and IQ to keep between the defender and quarterback. He also has shown a toughness during the un game.