Chicago Bears trade up for franchise QB in 7-round 2021 NFL mock draft

Round 5, 163rd overall

Wide receiver already stands tall as a top-tier need for the Chicago Bears and it could quickly become a desperate need if Allen Robinson leaves in free agency. Ideally, the Bears would be able to address the position earlier in the draft but trading up for Lance leaves them a bit light on draft capital. Luckily, this draft class is loaded with wide receiver depth, allowing the Bears to wait on the position a bit in this 2021 NFL mock draft and still find a potential impact player.

The Chicago Bears select wide receiver in the fifth round.

While Shi Smith lacks ideal size at the wide receiver position, he is a quick and smooth athlete who shows impressive playmaking ability on the field. He shows the ability to get a clean release off of the line of scrimmage, has the quickness to shake many defenders in man coverage and has a knack for making tough catches.

His lack of size and catch radius may limit his overall upside at the next level, but Smith is an interesting prospect who should be able to make an immediate impact. Smith has been impressive throughout the week at the Senior Bowl, creating space against opposing defensive backs seemingly with ease and creating well after the catch.

While Smith is likely best suited as primarily a slot receiver at the next level, he would provide an immediate talent upgrade for the Chicago Bears at an important position of need. Snagging Smith late in this 2021 NFL mock draft feels like an ideal scenario for the team.