Barring a potential blockbuster trade that sends a huge haul out in exchange for a franchise quarterback, the Bears are back in the first round of the draft for the first time since 2018. It’s a pivotal opportunity for general manager Ryan Pace, who may be running out of chances in Halas Hall, to take a big swing or two at putting the roster over the top.
The Bears have selections in every round but the fourth in this year’s draft. They have their own picks in the first, second, third, fifth and sixth picks, along with the Dolphins’ seventh-round pick that was acquired in exchange for Adam Shaheen. The fourth-rounder went to Minnesota last year for a fifth-rounder used on Trevis Gipson.
What Pace and his scouting staff ultimately decide to do with those picks remains a mystery, but needs such as QB and offensive line will likely be at the forefront of the team’s thinking.
The three-day 2021 NFL Draft starts Thursday, April 29 with the first round.
Keep up with below all of the Sun-Times’ pre-draft coverage, including mock drafts, analysis and the latest news.
