The NFC North is one of the more competitive divisions in the NFL. Even though they struggled at times through the 2020 season, the Chicago Bears found themselves in the playoffs. However, they were bounced out early, and now have the 20th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
The Bears have already been busy this offseason as they franchise tagged their star receiver, Allen Robinson. It was a smart move made by the front office, but there are still concerns on who will be the Bears' starting quarterback next year. Mitchell Trubisky hasn't quite lived up to the hype, and recently, Chicago has been vocal about trading for Russell Wilson.
Furthermore, this team has to improve the offensive line, specifically on the outside to better protect the quarterback. They likely draft a rookie, but in the meantime, the Bears should highly consider signing a top veteran in the free-agent market.
Chicago also has some solid players in the skills positions. Robinson is an elite receiver, but they also have exciting young players like Darnell Mooney, Cole Kmet, and David Montgomery. Finding another versatile weapon should be high on the Bears' priority list as it'll help improve their chances of winning the NFC North next year.
Additionally, this defense isn't getting any younger, and finding some talented prospects in the draft would go a long way. Khalil Mack is one of the best pass rushers in the league, but finding him some help in this year's draft could be what this franchise needs to go over the top in the future. Here are four bold predictions for the Chicago Bears' 2021 offseason.
Bears trade for Russell Wilson
At first, it seemed impossible the Seattle Seahawks would trade away their superstar quarterback. However, as time has gone by it sounds as though the front office could be willing to dish Russell Wilson away this offseason. The move would likely remove Seattle from playoff contention, but they could pull in a haul of players and/or picks from the Chicago Bears.
For Chicago, this would be a huge acquisition. It's been a while since this team had a franchise quarterback under center and Wilson could be the missing piece for this offense. He's the type of player that makes everyone around him better and would make the Bears a legitimate threat in the NFC North.
Furthermore, Wilson would have plenty to work with from the get-go. He'd have Allen Robinson and David Montgomery to dish the ball to, as well as young studs Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. With Wilson under center, the Bears' offense becomes one of the best in the league.
Bears sign Trent Williams
He's getting up there in age, but Trent Williams is still one of the best tackles in the game. Playing for the San Francisco 49ers last year, Williams played 14 games and played in 87% of the snap counts. He's a consistent tackle that doesn't allow much to get by him and would give the Bears that extra protection they need to be considered a top offensive line.
Moreover, this would please Russell Wilson a great deal. One of his biggest concerns in Seattle is not having elite protection. Adding Williams into the mix would bring the Bears' mediocre offensive line within the top 10 in the league. Signing him would also give the front office the luxury of drafting a rookie to sit and learn behind one of the NFL's best lineman. This would also potentially solidify their offensive line for years to come.
Bears draft Rashod Bateman
Entering the NFL draft, the Bears have the privilege of selecting young players to provide strong depth to the roster. This team doesn't necessarily have a ton of holes to fill, especially if they can get Wilson via trade. Either way, they could use another wide receiver to improve the passing game, and Rashod Bateman would be the perfect man for the job.
At 6-2, 210 pounds, Bateman is regarded as one of the best receiver prospects this year. He has the size to play the outside and can be a matchup nightmare for any corner in the league. He'd be the perfect player to line up on the opposite side of the field from Robinson. Additionally, this would also move Mooney to the slot, which is where he's more suitable anyway. Drafting Bateman would give the Bears that electrifying receiving group they need to finally usurp the Green Bay Packers.
Bears draft Quincy Roche
Another solid prospect in the upcoming draft is Quincy Roche. He's a pass rusher who played his final year f0r the Miami Hurricanes. Roche is projected to be a third-round selection mainly due to his lack of size and speed. However, this kid is a powerhouse that would pair up well with the likes of Khalil Mack.
He has the tendency to get in the backfield and get after the opposing quarterback. Roche is the type of rookie who might need some time and development before he's ready to play considerable time in the starting rotation. However, he'd be a great acquisition for the Bears, as they have the talent on the defensive line to be competitive, while also developing Roche until he's ready.
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