Chicago Bears aggressiveness in the NFL Draft could really pay off

The Chicago Bears made some aggressive moves in the 2021 NFL Draft. Here’s why they should pay dividends. 

The Chicago Bears made some monumental draft mistakes in the past. General manager Ryan Pace already has a tarnished reputation after trading up to the number two overall pick 2017 for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky when they could have stayed put for Patrick Mahomes or Deshaun Watson. Pace was also responsible for busting on wide receiver Kevin White with his first pick as general manager of the Bears in 2015.

Since then, Pace has taken some steps in the right direction. They snatched up an elite player in Khalil Mack when the Raiders made him available for trade, and he’s found some late-round gems in recent years with players like Eddie Jackson, Tarik Cohen, and Darnell Mooney. In 2021, I believe Ryan Pace had his best draft yet.

Though it cost them a good bit of draft capital, the Chicago Bears were willing to cut their losses and make an aggressive move to secure their future. After the first three quarterbacks went off the board in each of the first three picks of the 2021 NFL Draft, Chicago was fortunate that Ohio State star, Justin Fields, started to slide.

The Bears made an aggressive move to jump from pick 20 to pick 11 to secure their franchise quarterback – giving up their 1st and 5th round pick as well as a 1st and 4th in 2022. Still, kudos to Pace for understanding the importance of having an elite franchise quarterback in today’s NFL.

Chicago Bears followed up one aggressive trade with another

After aggressively pursuing Justin Fields in the first, the Bears made another excellent decision in round two when they elected to move back up in the draft for a sliding Teven Jenkins. The Oklahoma State offensive tackle was originally projected to be a late first-round pick.

Jenkins graded out as one of the best offensive tackles in the nation in 2020, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite being a right tackle in the Big 12, Jenkins tested as a remarkable athlete with a Relative Athletic Score in the 97th percentile of NFL offensive tackles. Though he comes with a few minor medical concerns, his non-stop motor and nasty demeanor on the football field make him a virtual can’t-miss pick.

When Jenkins slid to the 39th overall pick, the Bears knew it was time to make another aggressive move. With their next pick not set to take place until the 52nd selection, Pace knew they were going to miss out on a wave of talent at offensive tackle. He traded picks 52, 83, and 204 for picks 39 and 151.

After getting your franchise quarterback, the next thing that every team should have the sense of mind to do is find him as much protection as possible. I applaud the move to go up and get Jenkins, as he’s got 10-year starter’ written all over him. Despite a long wait time after this pick, the Bears selected another offensive tackle with their 5th round pick in Larry Borom.

Anytime you can get two very good players out of a draft class, it should be counted as a win – especially when one of those players is a franchise quarterback. Though we will still have to wait and see how this plays out, I think the Chicago Bears’ aggressiveness in the 2021 NFL Draft will pay off down the line.