Apparently a common theme in recent weeks, here is another prominent simulation writer giving the Chicago Bears an offensive striker with their 20th overall selection.
This latest simulation sketch comes from Bucky Brooks of NFL.com, and his pick for Chicago is Alijah Vera-Tucker of USC.
Here’s what Brooks had to say about the redshirt junior.
The USC product gives coach Matt Nagy options as a swing player (guard / tackle) to connect with the squad to protect those who are taking pictures for the Bears.
A short, sweet appraisal for one of Bears’ biggest needs, and Vera-Tucker is the third offensive lineman off his plate. In the two previous simulations we saw, the Bears were taking the fifth o-lineman off the boards, so with just Oregon’s Penei Sewell and Northwestern’s Rashawn Slater off the Brooks board, is Vera-Tucker the next best option here?
Our lead draft analyst, Jacob Infante, has 6’4 ”, 300 pounds as the 24th best prospect on his big board, his sixth best offensive line prospect and his number three guard. Vera-Tucker played left tackle in college, but several analysts believe he will end up on guard.
I think tackling is a more urgent need for the Bears, and if they choose the offensive line in the first round, I would prefer them to go with a guy who designs to attack.
It is also worth noting that Alabama quarterback Mac Jones went to 19 in this mock draft, becoming five quarterbacks in his first round.
Would you be okay if the real project fell that way for the Bears?