The Bears had one of the best drafts in 2021, addressing a lot of their weaknesses and questions going forward. Let’s take a look at each of the seven picks from the Bears 2021 Draft.
Rd: 1 Pick: 11 QB Justin Fields
College: Ohio State
Height: 6’3
Weight: 227
The Bears traded up to get their QB. Usually, I don’t like trading up in the NFL Draft, it’s proven to be unsuccessful in most situations. But if you can get someone you believe is a franchise player and you won’t be able to get that guy without the trade, I understand it. They gave up 3 picks (next year’s first round, this year’s fifth round and next year’s fourth round) for one, but they took a risk to bring in a new franchise QB. Fields has a big arm, good accuracy, mobility, toughness and good leadership qualities. He won Big Ten offensive player of the year in each of the last two seasons. This is a pick that gets the fanbase fired up and shows the Bears have a plan going forward. Ryan Pace has said Dalton will still be the QB heading into 2021, but Bears fans have something to be excited for in Fields.
Rd: 2 Pick: 39 OT Teven Jenkins
College: Oklahoma State
Height: 6’6
Weight: 317
Everyone knows the Bears needed offensive line help. Teven Jenkins is exactly what they needed. He’s a dominant run blocker with solid pass protection skills and brings grit and toughness that the line desperately needs. He is NFL ready now and can play tackle or guard. He’ll likely slide in at tackle to replace Bobby Massie. David Montgomery is going to love having this guy to open up holes.
Rd: 5 Pick: 151 OT Larry Borom
College: Missouri
Height: 6’5
Weight: 322
The Bears continued to help the line with this pick. Borom has played both tackle and guard and probably fits best at guard in the NFL. He has some deficiencies with hand placement and his lateral movement. He will take some time to develop, but he’s really what you want from a 5th round pick.
Rd: 6 Pick: 217 RB Khalil Herbert
College: Virginia Tech
Height: 5’9
Weight: 210
Herbert was top 5 in the FBS in rushing yards and yards per carry. It takes him a bit of time to get going, but he makes good decisions and effective when a hole emerges. He’s not the quickest at changing direction, but should make a solid NFL backup. There’s questions on blocking and usage on passing downs, but the Bears needed to add another RB and he’s a solid pickup in the 6th round.
Rd: 6 Pick: 221 WR Dazz Newsome
College: North Carolina
Height: 5’10
Weight: 190
Dazz Newsome could be a steal! He has big play potential and really good speed. He can make defenders miss and excels in yards after the catch. His route running and pass-catching ability need to improve (that’s why he’s a 6th rounder), but he’s a good find here. You can use him in many different ways on offense and he can contribute as a punt returner.
Rd: 6 Pick: 228 CB Thomas Graham Jr
College: Oregon
Height: 5’10
Weight: 192
This pick helps address losing Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine this offseason. He opted out of last season at Oregon and that may have hurt his draft stock, but he’s a good pick this late in the draft. Graham’s recovery speed is his biggest weakness. He’s a physical defender who fits best as a zone corner.
Rd: 7 Pick: 250 DT Khyiris Tonga
College: BYU
Height: 6’2
Weight: 325
Tonga’s a big burly interior lineman who is an active tackler and changes direction well for his size. He is a developmental piece, he needs to work on explosiveness, counters and taking better angles. He’ll do well to learn from the current D-line and serve as a backup.