Fansided
Fansided

Chicago Bears: Late-round sleeper targets in the 2021 NFL Draft

By Dillon Appleman

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Draft prospect, Ian Book (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

2. Ian Book, QB, Notre Dame

The Chicago Bears are going to draft a quarterback in the 2021 NFL Draft, it’s just a matter of when. If they decide to fill other needs in the early rounds, I think Ian Book could be a guy they target as a late-round option to add to their aging quarterback room.

Book is the winningest quarterback in the history of Notre Dame football, which is quite the accomplishment considering the names that have been under center for the Fighting Irish over the years. He’s also second in team history in both touchdowns passes and yards. While statistics and wins never tell the whole story, Book did prove a lot as a prospect over his collegiate career.

While nobody would confuse his skill set as a quarterback for a potential starter at the next level, Book does have intriguing traits that are worth taking a flyer on as a developmental option late.

His athleticism and competitive spirit are what he really hangs his hat on but he’s accurate enough on short to intermediate throws and has shown the ability to anticipate openings in a defense. As far as late-round quarterback targets go, Book could be a fun addition.

3. Tre’ McKitty, TE, Georgia

The Jimmy Graham era in Chicago is just about over, as the veteran tight end heads into his final season under his current contract with the Bears. While 2020 second-round pick, Cole Kmet, will be the next man up, Chicago should look to add some depth to the position in the 2021 NFL Draft.

A bit of an under-the-radar name that could be available in the later rounds is former Georgia Bulldog, Tre’ McKitty. After beginning his career at Florida State, McKitty was misused with the Seminoles and ultimately transferred to Georgia for his senior season, where his opportunities were again pretty limited.

It wasn’t until the 2021 Senior Bowl that McKitty would really get a chance to showcase his skills and he did not disappoint. He was the talk of Mobile for the entire week as he showcased terrific hands and freaky athleticism at 6-foot-4 and 247 pounds. Adding a developmental option with the traits of McKitty late in the 2021 NFL Draft would be a great get for the Bears.

Home/NFL Draft