Chicago Bears: 2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Rose Bowl

10.  DE Daelin Hayes, Notre Dame

If you’ve watched the Bears at all in 2020, you’ve learned one thing: As a pass rusher, Robert Quinn has been disappointing. While the Bears will be forced to start Quinn in 2021 due to financial reasons, what the Bears can do is look into finding Quinn’s potential replacement. Furthermore, with an aging defense, the Bears will need to infuse the defensive side of the ball with some young talent over the next two offseasons.

Daelin Hayes will be one of the more under-the-radar names to keep an eye on for Notre Dame. While investing in the defensive line may be a bit of a luxury in 2021, Hayes’ production is hard to ignore. In his career at Notre Dame, Hayes has 97 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, and just one interception. In other words, he’s a player who’s proven he can be productive when given an opportunity.

While Hayes isn’t necessarily going to win with speed, he will at least figure out a way to win by penetrating gaps and having a high motor which allows him to continue to get after offensive tackles.

As of right now, Hayes is likely a day two pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. While a strong performance against Alabama won’t vault him into first-round conversation, it will be a prime opportunity to raise his stock as a name to watch throughout the predraft process over the next few months.