NFL mock draft 2021: Panthers, Patriots, Bears get aggressive for QBs
Caleb Farley is generally considered the ideal target for the Denver Broncos with the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. However, Farley is off of the board at No. 9 in this NFL mock draft, allowing the Broncos to seriously consider trade-down options. With their massive need at the quarterback position, the Chicago Bears are certainly a candidate to make an aggressive move up the board to get their guy.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace’s job is on the line and there is not really an ideal way for him to save it. However, if Pace can solve the Bears’ quarterback situation, he at least has a chance to keep his job. Giving up future draft capital to aggressively move up for that quarterback is a scenario that certainly makes sense for Chicago.
2021 NFL mock draft: Round 1, 9th overall
QB. Alabama. Mac Jones. player. Scouting Report. 9. 57. Pick Analysis
Taking Mac Jones this high and spending multiple first-round picks on him would likely be a mistake. That being said, the league clearly values Jones highly and if the Bears agree with that assessment, this is the kind of move that they will have to make to have a chance to get him.
Jones is not like the other top quarterback prospects in this draft class. He has limited athleticism at the quarterback position and average arm talent. His ceiling as a starting NFL quarterback is limited, but there is still a lot to like about his game.
Mac Jones shows impressive poise in the pocket and has enough quickness to move around and evade rushers inside the pocket. He sees the field extremely well, understanding where he is supposed to throw the ball and feeding his receivers with accuracy a majority of the time. Jones is a rock-solid quarterback who consistently makes good decisions and can be an impact player if he is surrounded with enough talent.
That being said, Jones is not the kind of quarterback that can lift up an offensive attack. Lawrence, Wilson, Fields and Lance all have massive upside at the next level and their skills can raise the ceiling of any offense. Jones simply does not have that kind of talent.
Adding Jones to the mix would undoubtedly help solidify the Bears’ quarterback situation. However, does he take them to the next level? I have my doubts.