Chicago Bears 2021 Mock Draft: A big trade up saves Ryan Pace

The Chicago Bears trade up to select BYU quarterback Zach Wilson at no. 5 overall

In order to move all the way up to the fifth overall pick in the draft, the Bears start by sending their no. 20 pick and this year’s third rounder to Cincinnati, accompanied by next year’s first-round pick, along with a third rounder in 2022 as well.

To recap: it’s two firsts and two thirds to move up 15 spots and grab Wilson. But, it will be worth it.

As fans, the majority of us are at the point where we’re thinking Pace has to do whatever it takes to land a franchise quarterback. This is his last chance, and Wilson could be the guy who saves his job altogether — Nagy, too.

Wilson has soared up draft boards for the last few months. He’s been one of the biggest risers in recent memory when it comes to a player going from possibly a mid-round pick before the season started, to now being looked at as a sure fire top-10 pick.

https://twitter.com/PFF_College/status/1348464652376633345?s=20

He has the huge arm, the mobility and the confidence you look for in a franchise quarterback. Some of his throws are Mahomes-esque. He can escape the pocket well and make it look like a flick of the wrist while throwing it 60 yards in the air. Some Bears fans don’t even remember what it’s like to have a quarterback who can accurately throw the ball down field.

This last season with BYU, Wilson threw for 3,692 yards, 33 touchdowns and just three interceptions. It was quite a jump from a year ago when he threw for 2,382 yards, 11 touchdowns and nine picks.

Wilson could be the franchise quarterback Chicago is looking for, and has been for years now. The sacrifice is big, but the dividends could end up being well-worth it for Pace and company.