2021 NFL Draft: Teams that should consider wide receiver early
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears were extremely streaky last season. They began the year 5-1 and on top of the NFC. However, they lost their next six games and became a team that would more than likely miss the playoffs. Against the odds, Chicago won three out of their last four games to make the playoffs at 8-8. Despite getting dominated by the New Orleans Saints in the wild card round, it was extremely impressive for the Bears to make the playoffs with their inconsistencies at quarterback.
Last season Mitch Trubisky started the season as the starter. But Trubisky was relieved by Nick Foles Week 3 against the Falcons after a rough start to the game. Foles led the team to victory and was the team’s starter for the next seven games. After their Week 11 bye, Trubisky returned as the team’s starter but was not a major factor on offense. During the Bear’s late-season stretch they became a very run dominant team behind David Montgomery.
This offseason Chicago let Mitch Trubisky walk and signed Andy Dalton to a one-year $10 million contract. The Dalton signing seemed disappointing because for a couple of weeks it was rumored that Chicago was attempting to trade for disgruntled Russell Wilson.
Dalton played somewhat well in Dallas last season because of the outstanding receiving core they have built over the last coupes of seasons.
Chicago Bears
Chicago doesn’t have weapons anything near Dallas’. Their top receiver Allen Robinson is playing on a franchise tag this season and could very well leave next year. Former second-round pick Anthony Miller fell out of favor of the offense this past season after showing signs of being a legitimate playmaker the season before. Fifth-round pick Darnell Mooney surprised many being the second-highest leading receiver on the team with over 600 yards.
Chicago’s offense can get really interesting if they add another threat on the outside. They can add a playmaker during the 2021 NFL Draft. If they draft a receiver with number one potential they get themselves an insurance policy in case Allen Robinson leaves next offseason. The Bears’ offense could someone of the most explosive in the league between a high potential rookie, Robinson, Darnell Mooney, and Anthony Miller.
On top of that Chicago has a great red zone tight end in Jimmy Graham, a potential breakout candidate in 2020 second-round pick Cole Kmet, and a plethora of talented running backs.
If Chicago can add a deep threat to play opposite Allen Robinson while Anthony Miller and Darnell Mooney split reps in the slot they could have an explosive offense commanded by a fantastic game manager in Andy Dalton.
Wide Receiver options for the Chicago Bears from the 2021 NFL Draft:
Trade up from pick #20 to take Devonta Smith (Alabama)
Draft Dwayne Eskridge (Western Michigan) with pick #52