BLACKSBURG, VA – NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw #77 of the Virginia Tech Hokies blocks linebacker Phil Campbell III #24 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half at Lane Stadium on November 23, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears must build off of a playoff season by adding talent at these positions
By now, Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy have to feel the fire. Despite finishing with a .500 record and making the postseason, that wasn’t enough to secure their status long-term as members of the franchise.
Chicago was the basic definition of being stuck between a rock and a hard place. It’s too talented to move up for one of the top five quarterbacks in the 2021 NFL Draft. It’s not talented enough to be considered a Super Bowl contender.
Chicago has to consider all options when selecting in April. But while quarterback is a massive need, let’s not pretend it doesn’t have issues on the offensive line, secondary and passing game.
In Pace’s first four drafts, Chicago has made only two trade-ups. Once was for Leonard Floyd and the other was for Mitchell Trubisky. Both are now off the roster.
Unless Pace is madly in love with say Justin Fields, plus he would have to fall out of the top 10, don’t expect that to happen. While Andy Dalton isn’t great, he’s stable enough to win some games. With the roster ahead, perhaps the Bears can surprise people in 2021.
2021 Chicago Bears Mock Draft
20
Christian Darrisaw
OT Virginia Tech
Whether for the quarterback of the future or for the present, the Bears need to upgrade their offensive line. Charles Leno Jr. has regressed over the past two seasons and Chicago released Bobby Massie before the start of free agency.
Some view Darrisaw as a starting franchise left tackle Week 1 of his NFL career. In Chicago, the former Virginia Tech stand out would likely be able to play on the right side while learning to take on NFL-style pass-rushers. Solid footwork plus good hands, Darrisaw excels in the run game as well.
Chicago could rely on David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen to play bigger roles with Dalton as the game-manager. While Darrisaw’s pass protection levels needs some work, it’s not all that bad compared to some of the later-round picks.
Darrisaw isn’t a complete product, but he’s got the size and overall fundamentals to start early and eventually take over at left tackle. Sometimes the boring picks are the smart ones.
For Chicago, this is a very smart one.