2021 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears 7-round mock

STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Kadarius Toney #4 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
STARKVILLE, MS - SEPTEMBER 29: Kadarius Toney #4 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 29, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Bears mock draft, Matt Nagy
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 06: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears during the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on December 06, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /

The Bears need to take a big step forward in 2021 if Matt Nagy wants to keep his job. Here’s what Chicago projects to do in April’s NFL Draft. 

The identity of the Bears’ starting quarterback will dominate Chicago’s offseason. That player probably won’t be found in April’s draft. The franchise seems much more interested in acquiring a young veteran to fill that void than they are re-starting the clock with an untested rookie.

The upside of that philosophical choice is that the Bears should be able to fill some other needs via the draft. Adding playmakers on offense is imperative for Chicago if they want to take a step forward in 2021. That’s a certainty no matter who lines up under center for Matt Nagy.

Chicago also needs to spend at least one valuable pick on an offensive lineman capable of upgrading their pass blocking efforts in 2021. Pressure from opposing front fours was a big problem for the Bears last season. That didn’t help Mitchell Trubisky thrive at the controls of Nagy’s offense.

Chicago would be well-served to prioritize talent over need in almost every circumstance. The two meet quite nicely for the Bears if they want to add a wide receiver in Round 1.

Scouting Report. Wide receiver. Florida. Kadarius Toney. 20. player. 57. Pick Analysis

Toney is rising up lots of team boards as they get more comfortable with his collegiate Film. He was a big reason why Kyle Trask was able to put up video game-type numbers in charge of Florida’s offense.

He might lack the size to play on the outside, but he’s too dangerous to ignore in the slot. Chicago needs playmakers and landing Toney on Day One would be a big step towards remedying that deficiency.