The 2021 NFL Draft is upon us, as one of the most hyped-up professional sports events of the year is about two weeks away.
The Chicago Bears, in particular, have been limited on draft capital since they traded for All-Pro Outside Linebacker Khalil Mack from the (then) Oakland Raiders in September of 2018. However,
they are set to make a first-round selection for the first time since they selected University of Georgia Inside Linebacker Roquan Smith in April of 2018.
Devon Lester, 21, from Joliet, IL, is eager for the Bears to return to drafting within the first 32 picks this year.
“Draft Day is my favorite day of the year, so for us (the Bears) to finally have a selection on the first day again is music to my ears. I am just curious as to what they will possibly pull off this time,” said Lester.
Coming off a strange 8-8 season with a fortunate playoff appearance, the feeling towards the team has only plummeted since their Wild Card loss to the New Orleans Saints. The team failed to sign star Wide Receiver Allen Robinson to a long-term deal, came short in the apparent pursuit of Seattle Seahawks stud Quarterback Russel Wilson, signed average-at-best Quarterback Andy Dalton, and decided to anger fans by retaining General Manager Ryan Pace and Head Coach Matt Nagy. Considering all the above, Bears fans are aching for hope come Draft Day.
Mike Hultman, 15, from Tinley Park, IL, is unsure what to believe his team will do in the 2021 campaign.
“I have mixed feelings about the Bears. On one hand, I think we can truly contend with a good QB. On the other hand, I feel hopeless heading into the year so far,” said Hultman.
After a relatively quiet free agency period, there is an abundance roster for the Bears to attack on Draft Day. Not only do they have a wide variety of weaknesses, but they have one of the oldest rosters in the league. Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver, and Cornerback are a few of their many crucial needs. However, the talk of the town is (as always) wondering what could happen at Quarterback.
At the moment, Andy Dalton is pegged as the team’s starter, as said so by Ryan Pace. But where have we seen this before? Where the Bears signed an underwhelming veteran Quarterback and announced them as the starter while later drafting their eventual replacement in that year’s draft?
That is right; this scenario rings eerily similar to what the Bears went through in 2017 when they signed veteran Quarterback Mike Glennon, formerly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while then trading up to draft North Carolina Quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Fans were not anticipating the team to shake the fan base and select Trubisky, but they are wary about the potential repeat scenario this year.
“Yes, I would like the Bears to trade up for a Quarterback, only if the right one is there. A realistic option would be (Justin) Fields, (Trey) Lance, or maybe even (Mac) Jones. Out of those three, I would want Fields the most,” says Hultman.
Given Ryan Pace’s draft history, his inadequate job security, and the team’s overall state, there is a collective sense of worry and curiosity with the team amongst its fans. Regardless, fans will be on their toes with the seemingly endless amount of possibilities that could come out of Draft Day.