Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Chicago Bears Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Chicago Bears from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
Given a lack of length (32 1/8" arms), Vera-Tucker is better suited to play guard at the next level, but he boosted his stock by how well he played when replacing Austin Jackson at left tackle for the Trojans last year. Vera-Tucker's movement skills, balance and versatility put him inside the top 20 of our 2021 NFL Draft Big Board.
The Bears could go in a number of directions with this pick, but Horn is easily among the best players still on the board and would fill a significant need with the club having made standout cornerback Kyle Fuller a cap casualty.
Complicating matters for the Bears is the strong possibility Ryan Pace acts out of desperation in this draft and does something none of us anticipate. But if Pace stays here and actually trusts Andy Dalton is QB1, there's enough receiver talent that you can well justify getting Vera-Tucker at No. 20, start him at guard and move him to tackle if/when needed.
The Bears will strongly consider cornerback Greg Newsome at this spot, but Waddle is considered the second- or third-best receiver in this draft. He could go as high as the top 10, so getting him at 20 would be a steal for the Bears.
If the Bears are unable to trade up for a quarterback, the focus should shift to one of the team's other key needs, notably right tackle. Jenkins is a natural on the right side with his unique power and competitive demeanor.
Predicting how the Bears will approach this draft is difficult. They have major needs at quarterback and tackle, and yet the cards don't line up ideally here at either spot. They also could use another receiver, and Toney can be used as a multifaceted weapon on schemed-up touches until he develops more.
Jenkins is the last of four offensive tackles on whom I have first-round grades. A three-year starter at right tackle for Oklahoma State, he's outstanding in the run game. He'd fill the spot created by the release of Bobbie Massie. Chicago could also be in play for a pass-rusher, though it has put a lot of capital toward Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn. A young edge defender such as Jaelan Phillips could be a situational player as a rookie.
I think the Bears are going to do everything they can to get more offensive firepower in this draft. Toney is as hard a player to tackle as there is in this draft class. He's tough, he's competitive and he's a perfect complement to (or eventual replacement for) WR1 Allen Robinson.
