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2021 NFL Draft winners: 10 teams that crushed it

By Nicholas McGee

Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; BYU quarterback Zach Wilson poses with jersey after being selected as the second pick by the New York Jets during the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; BYU quarterback Zach Wilson poses with jersey after being selected as the second pick by the New York Jets during the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ohio State, Justin Fields
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. (The Columbus Dispatch) /

Chicago Bears

The Bears were in quarterback purgatory prior to their aggressive move up the draft board to select Justin Fields with the 11th overall pick, his arrival sure to spark excitement among a fanbase that has long since been starved of elite play at the quarterback position.

Fields was seen by many as the second-best quarterback prospect in a historic quarterback class and his upside as a downfield thrower and his proficiency in making high-difficulty off-platform throws on the run has the potential to elevate an offense that was uninspiring to watch in 2020.

Offensive tackle Tevin Jenkins’ mean streak will significantly bolster the protection provided by the Chicago offensive line, with the Bears landing a prospect most saw as a first-rounder with the 39th overall selection.

A lack of weapons beyond Allen Robinson was a concern going into the draft but the Bears addressed that issue with the late-round selections of wide receiver Dazz Newsome and running back Khalil Herbert, while an already strong defense was boosted by the additions of corner Thomas Graham Jr. from Oregon and underrated BYU defensive tackle Khyris Tonga.

This was a critical draft for general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy. If Fields lives up to his billing, they may just have saved their jobs.

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