The NFL Draft is still nearly three months away. But it's never too early to peruse mock drafts. Here's who 12 draft analysts are predicting the Bears will select with the 20th pick in the first round:
Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football (Jan. 28)
Pick: Virginia Tech tackle Christian Darrisaw
Comment: Christian Darrisaw had an amazing 2020 season, propelling himself into first-round consideration.
Nate Davis, USA Today (Jan. 28)
Pick: Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman
Comment: If they are going to be more than a one-and-done playoff team under Matt Nagy, the Bears simply must improve offensively. Elevated quarterback play is obviously incumbent, but wideout also looms as a priority with Allen Robinson headed for free agency. Bateman has a similar frame (6-2, 210) and similar game.
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports (Jan. 28)
Pick: Texas outside linebacker Joseph Ossai
Comment: Chicago has a lot of money tied up in Robert Quinn and Khalil Mack. The team starts to plan for future flexibility by adding another on a rookie contract.
Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News (Jan. 26)
Pick: Northwestern tackle Rashawn Slater
Comment: The Bears also need to think about quarterback early, but addressing pass protection is also a great idea. Slater, who opted out of his final season with the Wildcats, is quickly rising up the boards again with his all-around skill set getting more attention. He held more than his own vs. Washington defensive rookie of the year Chase Young in a college matchup.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (Jan. 22)
Pick: Michigan tackle Jalen Mayfield
Comment: The Bears could use Mayfield at tackle or slide him inside to guard. I love the way he finishes in the run game.
Daniel Kelly, The Ringer (Jan. 27)
Pick: Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins
Comment: The Bears offense under head coach Matt Nagy and offensive coordinator Bill Lazor works best when it deploys a balanced approach, mixing the run game with the play-action passing attack to keep defenses guessing and maximize efficiency. Grabbing an ass-kicking right tackle like Jenkins here could help them achieve that equilibrium in 2021 and beyond.
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. In Chicago, he could start immediately on the right side, where Germain Ifedi is a free agent, and be the long-term replacement to Charles Leno at left tackle. The Bears could also be in the market for a top receiver with Allen Robinson headed to free agency.
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.
Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus (Jan. 25)
Pick: Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman
Comment: The Bears appear primed to make a power move at the quarterback position, and their next move will be adding more playmakers into the mix, especially with star wide receiver Allen Robinson II hitting free agency. Bateman has shown the ability to win at the catch point or after the catch, where he's forced 36 missed tackles on his 147 catches in two-plus years. He's a good fit for the current wide receiver mix in Chicago.
Joal Ryan, 247 Sports (Jan. 26)
Pick: Virginia Tech tackle Christian Darrisaw
Comment: Conventional wisdom says the Bears will trade for a veteran quarterback to fix their offensive woes. And it says here they'll draft Christian Darrisaw, Virginia Tech's 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive tackle, to protect the new guy.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports (Jan. 27)
Pick: Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins
Comment: Jenkins is a powerful but technically sound right tackle with a very high floor.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (Jan. 26)
Pick: Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore
Comment: The Bears would also love to land a QB, but they'll need to trade up to do it. In the meantime, they have Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman (who opted out before the season) under contract for multiple years, but the defensive line could use depth. Barmore finished the season strong for the Crimson Tide and he's the best defensive tackle in this draft class.
