Chicago Bears: Big Ten prospects to watch during 2020 season

With the Big Ten officially returning, who are some 2021 NFL Draft prospects the Chicago Bears should be keeping an eye on?

There’s an old adage that we’ve all heard of: It’s never too late to begin looking into the future when you’re an NFL franchise. For the Chicago Bears, the same applies. Right now, the Bears may be focused on the 2020 season, however, the front office and scouting department are looking towards the 2021 NFL Draft.

For the Bears, the 2021 NFL Draft is significant for a number of reasons. For the first time since 2018, the team is set to have a first-round pick. Second, the Bears’ needs could shift drastically depending on how the team’s quarterbacks play in 2020. With the Bears naming Nick Foles the starter for the rest of the 2020 season, it likely means that they’ll be going into 2021with Nick Foles and a rookie on the roster.

Furthermore, the Bears could have other needs such as offensive tackle and wide receiver that the team could look to address. Looking at the Bears draft capital as of right now, they are projected to have picks in the first, second, and third-rounds, which means they’ll have the opportunity to add some impact talent.

Essentially, with the Big Ten return right around the corner, it’s a prime opportunity for the Bears to get started on scouting players who go to local schools in the region. Players such as quarterback Justin Fields (Ohio State), tight end Pat Freiermuth (Penn State), and linebacker Micah Parsons (Penn State) are a handful of prospects who could interest the Bears front office if the current regime is here once the calendar turns to 2021.

With the Big Ten set to return, who are some prospects that could interest the Bears? Let’s take a look and find out.