The Chicago Bears are focused on the veteran market at present. No doubt driven by their desire to find a quarterback. Yet a healthy chunk of the scouting and front office staffs are working hard on the upcoming NFL draft. One that could see them return to the 1st round since 2021. It could be the most important draft for many in that building. One where plenty of jobs hang in the balance.
What makes it even more challenging is the restrictions. Not only did several prospects not play a full season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's made even worse with the scouting combine and personal team visits being canceled. That means the Bears must put even more effort into finding the right guys. In such cases, inside information can be worth its weight in gold.
The Bears do happen to have a number of connections to this 2021 college class. Here are a few names to keep in mind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ6YYdtbXNs&ab_channel=TheGameHaus
Chicago Bears have ties to a number of quality draft talents
Jalen Mayfield (OT, Michigan)
The Bears are in the market for offensive line help. Ask any self-respecting expert about the team and that's the second position group they'd bring up after quarterback. Both their tackles didn't play well in 2021. The time is right for a change. If they manage to hang onto their 1st round pick, then Mayfield will be a guy they could end up looking hard at. One guy who knows the big Michigan tackle well is Juan Castillo. The Bears offensive line coach spent the 2019 season with the Wolverines as an assistant on Jim Harbaugh's staff. He got a full evaluation of Mayfield during that time. So he probably has a pretty good idea of how good this kid is. Power? Mobility? Nastiness? He has all the tools.Brendan Jaimes (OT, Nebraska)
Bill McGovern was out of the NFL in 2020 before joining the Bears staff as their inside linebackers coach. During that year-long hiatus, he latched on at Nebraska as an analyst for the Huskers. Though a defensive guy by background, he'll have gotten plenty of V.I.P treatment to Jaimes. Nebraska doesn't have a lot of top prospects this year but the tackle has a number of positive traits from size to power in the run game. His pass protection is also sound. He could be somebody who plays inside or outside based on team need.Trey Smith (OG, Tennessee)
The Chicago Bears haven't really been the bully on offense in a long time. They need more guys up front who rejoice in that mentality. Smith is the perfect example. He's big, powerful, and absolutely embraces every opportunity to maul defensive linemen. The guy destroys worlds. His athleticism is also solid enough to handle pass protection.If not for a scary brush with blood clot issues, he'd be a top guard prospect in this draft. One guy who's seen his work personally? New defensive line coach Chris Rumph. He had to coach against the guy every day in practice. It's a safe bet he knows what Smith can do for Chicago on Sundays.







