2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 20th overall
The Chicago Bears’ top need going into the offseason will be to find a starting quarterback, but unfortunately, if Washington takes Mac Jones at the 19th spot no quarterback remaining on the board would be worth the 20th pick. This means the Bears will have to go in another direction with this pick. The team will likely consider either a wide receiver or offensive tackle at this position.
In this situation, I would see the Bears taking Christian Darrisaw with the 20th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. They would be wise to snag him with their first-round pick as most people think he will go higher than this pick, and because Darrisaw has the athletic ability to play left tackle in the NFL.
When evaluating Darrisaw the first thing that stands out is how mobile he is. He has the ability to easily get to the second level when run blocking, and also the quick feet to keep up with edge pass rushers. In addition to these traits, he has the length you want in a left tackle as he comes in at 6-foot-5. I am also impressed with the fact he did not give up a single sack this year.
Excerpt from PFF on Christian Darrisaw:
— Matej Sis (@MatejS247) January 5, 2021
The Virginia Tech left tackle logged 293 pass-block snaps across 10 starts in 2020, yet he allowed just six pressures, all of which were hurries. He also notched the highest positively graded run-block rate in the Power 5.
Elite. #Hokies https://t.co/LCOtEcMxnP
While Darrisaw does need some technique work especially when it comes to pad level, he could compete for the starting left tackle job as a rookie. Even if he was unable to win a starting position in training camp, he would be a first-round pick. This is due to the fact he has a high upside and could easily develop into a Pro Bowl left tackle.