Bears select talented trio in Todd McShay's latest NFL Mock Draft |
As the 2021 NFL Draft approaches, many teams are looking to bolster their rosters with talented players who can make an immediate impact on the field.
The Chicago Bears are no exception, with general manager Ryan Poles stating that the team is focused on addressing their needs at offensive line, pass rush, and cornerback. In Todd McShay's latest mock draft, he predicts that the Bears will prioritize protecting quarterback Justin Fields by selecting Northwestern's Peter Skoronski in the first round. "The Bears could address the edge rush -- perhaps with Van Ness -- after closing out the 2022 season at the bottom of the league in sacks. However, they need to maximize quarterback Justin Fields, and that means protecting him," McShay wrote. "Chicago allowed a sack on 11.5% of dropbacks last season, the highest rate we've seen since the Raiders' 12.6% in 2006." Skoronski has the size and strength to be a force on the offensive line. He's known for his agility and footwork, which allow him to move quickly and effectively block opposing defenders.
In the second round, McShay has the Bears selecting UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet with the 53rd-overall pick.
"I like the value on Charbonnet at this point in Round 2 as another contributor in the run game," McShay wrote. "He's a patient runner with good contact balance and can be a three-down back in the NFL, even though he lacks breakaway speed."
Charbonnet rushed for over 700 yards and 11 touchdowns in his final season at UCLA and is expected to be a solid contributor at the NFL level.
With their second pick in the second round, acquired in the trade of the No. 1 pick to the Carolina Panthers, McShay has the Bears addressing their need for a pass rusher by selecting Tennessee defensive end Byron Young.
"The Bears had just 20 sacks last season, worst in the NFL, and bringing in Young would get them going in the right direction," McShay wrote.
He recorded 5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss in his final season at Tennessee and is considered one of the top pass rush prospects in this year's draft.
