The Chicago Bears aren't quite focused on the NFL draft yet. They're still filling out their coaching staff and preparing for the start of free agency on March 17th. Most believe that could be the decisive period of the entire offseason for them. This in large part due to their pursuit of help at quarterback. So much of what happens with that will determine what they end up doing in the draft.
Still, that hasn't stopped experts everywhere from going ahead with their mock drafts, trying to determine which direction the Bears will go. So here's a fun question. What player (if any) is currently the favorite to land in Chicago come April? It turns out the answer is a tie. Larry Mayer of Chicagobears.com compiled 12 different mock draft results. Plenty of different names were involved but two of them were mentioned no fewer than three times each.
The ironic part? Both of them are not quarterbacks.
They are offensive tackles. One being Christian Darrisaw out of Virginia Tech and the other Teven Jenkins of Oklahoma State. Most draft experts agree the 2021 class of offensive tackles is one of the best in a long time. Plenty of high-profile talent and also depth. The timing does seem perfect for the Bears who have needed an overhaul at the position for some time now. Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie haven't cut it since 2018."Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (Jan. 26) Pick: Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins Comment: This is a really strong offensive tackle class, and we could see a run on them in the 20s. Jenkins started at both right tackle and left tackle for the Cowboys, and he was having a stellar season before he opted out in late November. At 6-6, 310 pounds, he has long arms and there are no questions about his size to play tackle. Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports (Jan. 28) Pick: Virginia Tech tackle Christian Darrisaw Comment: The Bears will see some offseason upheaval, probably at QB and WR. But they're also likely to lose one of their starting tackles, and the highly regarded Darrisaw would be an ideal replacement."One common them that pops up a lot about the two blockers? Their aggressive mentalities. Both men love to get physical with defenders and are prone to delivering their fair share of pancake blocks. The nastiness is constantly evident. Something that's been missing up front for the Bears for some time now.







