If you have read this blog you know that it is critical of Ryan Pace with the Chicago Bears when it needs to be, but at the same time understands that he has some positives to his ability to scout. The biggest issues that Pace has had have come from quarterback and offensive line.
He missed on Mitch Trubisky which is glaring, but lowkey he neglected the offensive line when he needed to put resources into it. A few day three picks and a few linemen who were busts elsewhere was not cutting it.
So, Ryan Pace entered the 2021 NFL draft with the ability to make up for his misses. However, at pick 20, how was he going to fix quarterback and offensive line? It seemed impossible. That is when Ryan Pace hit a potential grand slam.
Justin Fields falling to 11 really helped the Bears. They were able to get in range for a game-changer. Whether he hits or not, the Bears took the proven college star this time when they passed on that last year.
The biggest shocker was the offensive line, though. Any detractor can say that Fields will struggle with nothing done on the line. The Bears passed on a chance at Teven Jenkins for a chance at Justin Fields.
Now, no one can complain. Somehow, someway, Teven Jenkins fell. Like Ryan Pace always does, he traded up. A player that many, including myself, thought would be a great fit at pick 20 is now on the Chicago Bears in the second round.
So, the debate that Fields is not worth it without the OL help is no longer valid. You can say that Pace has done a bad job at QB, and on the OL in the past. However, he had to go all-in to save his job and he found a way to get the top right tackle and a potential star at quarterback. This may end up being two misses, but you cannot hate Ryan Pace for taking his biggest swing yet, and hitting two potential top 20 players.