With just a few days left for the free NFL agency, detailing the team’s needs for the NFL’s 2021 Draft will change dramatically with each hire. So, make simulated drafts with a grain of salt now.
See the latest simulation sketch by Adam Hoge of NBC Sports Chicago. He has the Bears going on a total attack on the attack with their first four teams.
In the first round, Hoge causes the Bears to face Virginia Tech’s offensive attack, Christian Darrisaw. It’s a great choice, especially in light of the team’s decision to part ways with Bobby Massie. Darrisaw is an absolute ace and one of the top 10 players on my board. He would be a great value if he dropped to 20th position.
In Round 2 – at No. 52 – he makes the Bears land in Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman.
Look, if Chicago leaves the first two rounds with Darrisaw and Bateman? Consider that a dream has come true. But it will not happen. Bateman is a player in the first round and there is little or no chance that he will be in 52nd place.
I love the position you want, but the choice is an illusion.
Hoge remains on the attack in Round 3 and causes the Bears to land at the Ohio State Trey Sermon, a beautiful prospect that has all the characteristics that teams look for in an initial running back.
Chicago has no depth behind David Montgomery (even with a healthy Tarik Cohen coming back) and Sermon, another banger between-tackles, would make a lot of sense.
The first choice of the quarterback for the Bears in this simulation happens in Round 5, with Jamie Newman from Georgia (last played by Wake Forest). More of an athlete than a passer, Newman has an NFL advantage that, at this point in his career, projects himself as a training squad guy. It is not a good choice.
To get the outline and analysis of Hoge’s full mock, click here.